Asda is consulting on a plan that would make it even harder for workers to take time off sick, and thousands of us could face punishment or even dismissal for getting ill. Right now, our absence records are wiped clean every 6 months. But Asda is considering doubling that period to 12 months, meaning a single bad winter, a caring emergency, or a flare-up of a long-term condition could push any of us down a disciplinary path, all the way to losing our job. Over 150,000 colleagues across more than a thousand stores could be affected. After years of cost-cutting, reduced hours, and job losses, this move feels like yet another attempt to squeeze workers rather than support us. It risks creating a workplace where people feel pressured to work while unwell, leading to burnout, injuries, and unsafe conditions for both staff and customers. Asda themselves have said “no decisions have been made, and no changes have been implemented.” That means this is exactly the moment for us to speak out and stop this before it becomes policy.

Tell Asda to scrap plans for harsher sick pay rules!

Well done ASDA. This style of ruthlessness, senselessness & distrust of own staff is a perfect sign of a failing business. ASDA's demise will be imminent, cruel & painful. Driving the business up the wall is the correct path to failure. Keep going.

Engineering and Construction

Level 4 Change Maker

Over 8 years ago, my mum was dying in hospital. She was in and out of comatose states. She had no idea where she was or what was going on. Asda continued to call her phone and leave threatening messages about her being absent from work. Even after being told she was in hospital and extremely unwell, they continued to harass us. I still believe if she had been allowed the sick time she needed in the years before this, time for vital testing and hospital visits, maybe she would still be with us. But she was scared to have time off in fear of her hours being cut, or losing her job entirely. She worked through being sick. She passed away while still in Asda’s employ. They sent 2 members of staff in uniform to her funeral. I felt like telling them to F off. Sick and disabled staff deserve care and compassion. What you did to my mum was harassment, and only added to our family’s suffering. Do not let this happen to anyone else. Your staff are humans, treat them as such.

Level 3 Change Maker

Although I do agree that there are people that abuse the system it's those people who are genuinely ill that will suffer and not feel they can take time off even though they feel really unwell. But it seems Asda don't care about the welfare of their colleagues it's all about profit

Asda

Level 2 Change Maker

By forcing workers to work when sick you are spreading germs and creating more NHS health problems. No one should have these draconian anti-union rules which has such a knock on effect to staff and Asda customers.

Self Employed

This will just make for a higher staff turnaround, Typical of a sinking company clutching at straws

This is something the union will fight vigorously asda is struggling in the market and only have themselves to blame, attacking loyal colleagues who could go sick at ant time is wrong. It just goes to show there thinking managers don't loose any pay when their sick cause they are salaried. And the ones making these decisions aren't on 90 pound a shift but hundreds of pounds a day and don't have financial struggles. So once again asda is showing since the buyout they've lost their way as a caring family orientated company. Shame on you Mr Leighton.

Regardless of the dreadful effect this may have on staff and the utter lack of compassion, this is also a wonderful way to spread colds, flu and other infections especially among the elderly or the more vulnerable, as sick staff will not want to take time off. :offers a VERY sarcastic round of applause: If this goes through, I will be cancelling my account and going elsewhere. Luckily I do have local choices.

Employed

this is unacceptable, other companies do not do this and this will make a mockery of the new Employment Rights Bill next year

I was a Manager in Customer service. ASDA HQ asked me to make employees agree to Sunday only contracts in order that tgetly did not recieve extra pay or bank Holidays. They also told me not to tell the colleagues they were entitled to double pay and a day off for bank hols. I told the GMB shop rep. Reported it to HQ who took it no further. The company then got rid of me for whistle blowing under a guise. No union bothered then.

It is an unacceptable proposal, contributing to a higher staff turnover, spreading germs to other staff and customers.