Asos offers paid leave for health-related life events

The fashion giant has introduced a policy to support colleagues of all genders on a number of health-related issues, such as pregnancy loss and gender reassignment surgery.

Those who suffer a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy or undergo an abortion will be offered 10 days paid leave, along with their partners, under the new policy to recognise the emotional impact of such situations on families. The policy also includes situations where a surrogate is acting on behalf of the employee.

Asos is also offering five days leave per cycle for those undergoing fertility treatments, either personally or alongside their partners, in order to attend and recover from appointments.

The retailer will also offer up to six weeks of paid leave for colleagues who have other health-related concerns that require time away from work, as well as flexible working for those going through menopause, who may request short-term leave or working from home to ease their symptoms.

The new policy, which affects Asos’ almost 4,000-strong workforce, comes into effect today.

Asos chief executive Nick Beighton said: “All of us face unexpected challenges in life and sometimes these can create very difficult circumstances, which mean we need to step away from or change how we work. 

“We’ve launched these new policies to reassure all Asos-ers that they will continue to be supported, personally and financially, throughout those difficult times. We’re here, no matter what it is and every step of the way.”