Supermarket chain Lidl announced on 4 June that it will offer paid leave to its Irish employees that suffer pregnancy loss or miscarriage, as well as partners of individuals suffering such an experience. The three days of compassionate leave, which echo measures adopted in the UK by a TV channel and a bank (see articles n°12492 and n°12521 respectively), are understood to represent a first in Ireland. The German group hopes to break a taboo, although it has not yet included women undergoing abortions in the policy. The latter remains a sensitive subject in the country, where abortion has only been legal since 2019.
The policy, consisting of three days of leave, for which staff get 100% of their pay, was developed in partnership with the Miscarriage Association of Ireland. It now be available to all employees, regardless of gender, and will also include those using surrogate mothers. The measure will also be open to Lidl employees working in Northern Ireland. It will apply to both early and late miscarriages, up to and including the 24th week of pregnancy, whereas Irish law currently only provides for paid
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