Tesco has pledged guaranteed paid leave for its employees experiencing domestic abuse, which it said will give them dedicated time to access support, secure their safety and take practical steps to rebuild their lives.

Under the new policy, which was launched in partnership with Tesco’s largest recognised union, Usdaw, employees who disclose domestic abuse will receive 3 days [IH1.1]or 21 hours of paid Safe Leave.

The supermarket said this can be taken flexibly for activities such as attending court hearings, arranging emergency accommodation, changing locks, securing childcare or separating finances.

Tesco said it is introducing the policy voluntarily, reflecting its belief that employers have an important role to play in supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.

Tesco highlighted that 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 said it wants to remove one practical barrier facing victims and survivors, and ensure that workers 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 said it 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, a free-to-join network of over 2000 UK employers committed to taking effective action on domestic abuse.

Emma Taylor, chief people officer at Tesco, said that 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,” she added. “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.”

The introduction of Safe Leave is the latest step in Tesco's wider approach to staff wellbeing. The retailer shared that already provides access to confidential counselling, legal and financial advice, mental health support and the Peoplesafe personal safety app for all UK colleagues.

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.

The union said 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.

Daniel Adams, Usdaw national officer, said that 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,” he added. “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.”

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