Discount supermarket Lidl will be doubling full-pay maternity and adoption leave as it looks to “set a new benchmark for others in the industry to follow”.

Lidl fascai against blue sky

Lidl is doubling paid maternity and adoption leave

Starting on January 1, 2024, Lidl will double paid maternity and adoption leave from 14 to 28 weeks, becoming the first supermarket in the country to do so.

The retailer has also introduced paid leave for employees undergoing fertility treatments and pregnancy loss as it looks to further increase support for employees.

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.”