'Inspired' | National Lottery operator Allwyn gives parents of critically ill children 12 weeks' paid leave

Allwyn UK, operator of The National Lottery, has introduced a new policy to support colleagues in the event that they need to care for a critically ill child.

Parents, or carers of critically ill children aged between 29 days and 18 years, who have worked for the company for at least 26 weeks, will be entitled to take up to 12 weeks leave at full pay to support their child and families.

Allwyn, which employs around 1,400 people, already offers this support to parents of critically ill babies aged up to 29 days through its neonatal policy. It also offers equal paternity and maternity paid leave of 16 weeks at full pay and 16 weeks at 50 per cent pay; and the same benefit for parents adopting children.

Sam Sheriff, Chief People & Places Officer for Allwyn UK said: “Inspired people are at the heart of our strategy to transform The National Lottery and we recognise there are times when our colleagues must prioritise their families. We want colleagues to know they don’t have to worry about work or income when their focus needs to be on their child.