Tesco is first supermarket to offer paid ‘safe leave’ for victims of domestic abuse
Exclusive: Britain’s largest private-sector employer has also trained managers to spot signs of domestic abuse Tesco has become the first supermarket to introduce paid “safe leave” for victims of domestic abuse, giving staff dedicated time to access support, secure their safety and take steps to move on with their lives. The UK’s largest private-sector employer is offering up to three days of…
Tesco, Britain's largest private-sector employer, has become the first supermarket to offer paid "safe leave" for victims of domestic abuse. The program provides up to three days of paid leave for employees to seek support, secure their safety, and take steps toward rebuilding their lives.
Managers across Tesco's 300,000-strong workforce have been trained to identify signs of domestic abuse, offer assistance, and refer affected colleagues to appropriate services. Unlike previous schemes, Tesco's policy does not require victims to provide formal evidence to access the leave. The program was developed in partnership with the shopworkers' union Usdaw.
According to Daniel Adams, a Usdaw national officer, domestic violence and abuse impact at least one in five women. Usdaw has long advocated for workplace support for survivors and is pleased with the new policy. Domestic abuse often disrupts the working lives of survivors, and employers must understand this and take action to protect them.
Emma Taylor, Tesco's chief people officer, emphasized the company's responsibility to support employees during their most challenging moments. The company aims to help drive broader action from employers across the UK by offering guaranteed safe leave and practical support without the need to take unpaid leave or disclose personal circumstances.
In the UK, over 3 million people experienced some form of domestic abuse in 2022, mostly women, according to SafeLives. Eight women are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales each month, with the number of abuse incidents surging during the pandemic lockdowns. The Domestic Abuse Act, enacted in April 2021, provides workplace protection for victims, who can seek help and support within their workplace.
A private member's bill currently before Parliament proposes granting 10 days of paid leave for domestic abuse victims in England and Wales to assist with practical and emotional steps. Northern Ireland has already passed legislation guaranteeing 10 days' paid leave for domestic abuse victims, and similar laws exist in Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
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