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John Lewis Partnership is the first UK retailer to introduce 26 weeks of paid maternity and paternity leave and two weeks of paid maternity leave

The John Lewis partnership will be the first UK retailer to introduce six months of parental leave and two weeks of paid leave for each partner who loses a pregnancy.

In addition to the start of a pilot program for career support for young people who are leaving the care system, these commitments are part of a new support package for partners (employees) who jointly own the company.

Based on feedback from partners who shared what was most important to them, these commitments support the company’s vision of becoming the UK’s most inclusive company for our partners and customers and reflect the diverse communities we serve.

Equality is a core principle of the partnership that was established almost 100 years ago and is supported by the unique employee structure and the company’s written constitution. These new commitments are a step forward in redefining partnership responsibility for this principle and what it means for its partners in society today.

The announced support, which is part of the partnership plan, includes equal parental allowance and parental leave, support in the event of loss of pregnancy, flexible initial commitment, part-time work, support for young people leaving the care system, support for ethnic minorities and inclusion committee.

Sharon White, President of the John Lewis Partnership, said, “As an employee-owned company, we care about equality. We want John Lewis and Waitrose to be a place for everyone and people from all walks of life to feel valued so that they can thrive in our business.

“We want to be there for our partners to support them in important moments in life, be it the first step into the world of work or parenting.”

Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP and Chair of the Women’s and Equal Opportunities Committee said, “The recent work of the Women’s and Equal Opportunities Committee has highlighted a number of areas where employers can really help. This announcement from the John Lewis Partnership showed that they are truly leading the way in ensuring their partners are supported, with a commitment to flexible hours, equal paid maternity and paternity leave, and baby loss. All initiatives will make a real difference.

“The pandemic has been especially tough on families juggling all kinds of demands and pressures, and I’m glad, but not surprised, that the John Lewis Partnership has risen to the challenge of helping both existing and future employees.

Felicia Willow, Executive Director of the Fawcett Society, said, “It’s great to see the John Lewis Partnership helping working mothers and fathers care for their children. We need more UK businesses to follow suit and allow both parents to take parental leave. Expecting childcare to be the responsibility of mothers helps the gender pay gap and many other inequalities in the workplace thrive.

“It is also encouraging to see that the John Lewis Partnership is clearly committed to posting all open positions with a flexible work option. This proves that despite the delay in the Employment Act, there is no reason why companies cannot take action and take action that will improve gender equality in the workplace. “

Jacqui Clinton, who heads Tommy’s Corporate Pregnancy and Parenting at Work Service, said: “Losing a baby at any stage of pregnancy is one of the most heartbreaking things a family can go through – and one that all too often, but often quietly, is endured. because of persistent stigma in society. It’s fantastic to see companies recognize this impact and address this taboo by creating special vacation policies. This will help anyone who is struggling to make contact and feel confident and supported in the process. “