Tesco has introduced guaranteed paid leave for colleagues experiencing domestic abuse, giving workers dedicated time to access support, secure their safety and take practical steps to rebuild their lives.
The new policy, introduced in partnership with Tesco’s largest recognised union, Usdaw, will provide colleagues who disclose domestic abuse with 3 days or 21 hours of paid Safe Leave, which can be taken flexibly for activities such as attending court hearings, arranging emergency accommodation, changing locks, securing childcare or separating finances.
As the UK’s largest private-sector employer, with 300,000 UK colleagues, Tesco is introducing the policy voluntarily reflecting its belief that employers have an important role to play in supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse can have a profound impact on every aspect of a person’s life, including their ability to stay in work. By introducing guaranteed Safe Leave, Tesco aims to remove one practical barrier facing victims and survivors, ensuring colleagues do not have to choose between earning a living and taking steps to protect themselves and their families.
Managers across the business have been trained to spot the signs of domestic abuse, respond to and support colleagues impacted by abuse, and signpost them to specialist services. Throughout these steps, Tesco will not ask victim-survivors to provide formal evidence or to relive traumatic experiences.
Tesco has developed the policy with the guidance of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA), a free-to-join network of over 2000 UK employers committed to taking effective action on domestic abuse.
The introduction of Safe Leave is the latest step in Tesco’s wider approach to colleague wellbeing. The retailer already provides access to confidential counselling, legal and financial advice, mental health support and the Peoplesafe personal safety app for all UK colleagues.
The new policy builds on that support by recognising that victims and survivors of domestic abuse may need dedicated time away from work to access help and make arrangements to protect themselves and their families.
Domestic abuse is one of the most devastating issues affecting our society today, and its impact does not stop when somebody reaches their workplace.
“For someone experiencing abuse, everyday tasks like attending a court hearing, finding a new place to live or putting new financial arrangements in place can be critical steps towards safety and independence.
“As the UK’s largest private-sector employer, we believe we have a responsibility to support colleagues in what are likely to be some of the most challenging moments in their lives. That’s why we’re introducing guaranteed Safe Leave, ensuring colleagues can access practical support and the time they need without worrying about taking unpaid leave or explaining deeply personal circumstances.
“We’re proud to be taking this step and want it to help drive wider action from employers across the UK. No one should have to choose between their job and their safety.
Emma Taylor, Chief People Officer at Tesco
The announcement comes as Domestic Abuse Awareness Month gets underway for the month of October, shining a spotlight on the issue and supports victims and survivors around the world.
The policy was developed through Tesco’s ongoing partnership with Usdaw and follows discussions on how employers can provide practical support to colleagues affected by domestic abuse.
Usdaw has long campaigned for support at work for survivors of domestic abuse and we are pleased to have successfully negotiated this new policy with Tesco. Domestic abuse often has an impact on the working lives of survivors, and it is important that employers understand this and the actions they can take to support and protect them.
“Domestic violence and abuse affects the lives of at least 1 in 5 women. Historically violence against women, and domestic violence in particular, has been hidden, excused and ignored. That needs to change. We would urge all employers, that haven’t yet done so, to follow the lead of Tesco and introduce workplace policies to support domestic abuse survivors, helping them to recover from their experiences and rebuild their lives.
Daniel Adams , Usdaw national officer
We are very pleased to see Tesco offering a range of support for their employees impacted by domestic abuse, including paid leave. EIDA look forward to continuing to support Tesco as they implement their domestic abuse response, and we hope other employers will be inspired by their leadership.
Susan Bright, CEO of the Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA)
