Asda has launched a new neonatal care leave company-wide policy in a bid to support colleagues.

From today, any Asda employee whose baby is born needing neonatal care treatment after birth for 7 full days or more, will be granted up to a maximum of 12 weeks of paid leave, in addition to their maternity, paternity or adoption leave.

The supermarket giant’s new policy will allow any parent of a baby admitted into neonatal care treatment within 28 days of being born to take additional paid leave and to receive full contracted pay for each full week that their baby receives treatment.

Asda chief people and corporate affairs officer Hayley Tatum said: “As a long-time supporter and board trustee of pregnancy and baby charity Tommy’s, I recognise that the birth of a child can be a stressful time for any parent.”

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“Unfortunately for many families, this can also come with its own unique challenges which is why we’re launching this policy today.

“Our priority is ensuring the wellbeing of all colleagues and making sure we’re offering our full support as they navigate their way through these challenges. By launching this company-wide policy, we hope we can provide the time and essential resources to help our colleagues to get through what can be an incredibly difficult time for families, as best they can.”

The new policy follows Asda announcing its new George premature baby clothing range, aimed at babies born before 37 weeks, which will launch on World Premature Baby Day on 17 November, both online and in 51 stores close to neonatal hospital units.