Tesco has signed an agreement with retail union Usdaw that will give its employees up to five days paid leave for training to become foster carers.
The company agreed to the new policy after staff raised the issue through the joint partnership agreement that consults employees through store and regional forums.
The new agreement allows employees to complete the detailed application process, attend foster care-related meetings or complete specialised training to become foster parents.
“One of our Tesco reps raised the idea of extending Tesco’s leave policy to foster carers at an in-store forum . After dialogue with our members the company welcomed this initiative,” said Usdaw general secretary John Hannett.
“We’re delighted Tesco have recognised that foster carers need paid leave to complete what is rightly a detailed and time-consuming application and training process.
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The joint initiative between Usdaw and Tesco has been welcomed by David Holmes, chief executive of the British Association for Adoption and Fostering.
“Children in care need dedicated, well trained foster carers and we are delighted to see Tesco encouraging staff to become foster carers and recognising the commitment and time this involves,” he said.
