Lidl becomes first grocer to double paid maternity leave

Lidl GB will be introducing 28 weeks full pay for staff on maternity or adoption leave starting from 1 January 2024, making it the first supermarket to do so. 

The announcement is part of the retailer’s new employment benefits, which will also be introducing paid leave for those undergoing fertility treatment. This will give staff two full days of paid leave per treatment cycle with no limit to the number of cycles. 

Come the new year, the grocery discounter will double paid maternity and adoption leave. This will mean that staff benefit from over six months of full-pay, increasing from the previous 14 weeks. 

According to Lidl, the move will not only support parents, but also “set a new benchmark for others in the industry to follow”.

In addition, the retailer has introduced five days of paid leave for anyone affected by pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks – inclusive of partners  – and has also expanded its compassionate leave policy by increasing paid leave to five days. 

Stephanie Rogers, chief human resources officer at Lidl GB, said: “We’re deeply committed to supporting our colleagues, not just in their professional lives but also through personal milestones and challenges. Over the past year, we’ve engaged closely with colleagues to see how we can better support those who are balancing work and family life.

“Whilst there is always more to be done, these latest enhancements to our Family Leave policies show our dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace and reinforce our ambition to be a first-choice employer.”