Asda has stepped back from proposed stricter rules on sickness absence, confirming to employees that it will not extend the period before absence records are reset, after staff argued the changes were excessively punitive.
The original proposal would have meant that anyone with an absence level of 3% or above would wait 12 months, rather than six, for their record to clear. Critics said this would have increased the likelihood of disciplinary measures for those needing time off in close succession.
Employees suggested the plan, which would have applied to more than 150,000 workers across 1,200 stores, was intended to deter people from taking sick leave and to cut operating costs.
The GMB union said it “accepted and understood that Asda needs an improved process for managing absence”, but added that it had “felt strongly that the plans were far too harsh”.
According to Asda, it opted to retain the six‑month reset period after it had carefully listened to union feedback during the consultation.
In a joint statement, Asda and GMB said: “Asda has decided on an outcome that recognises a need for change in the current approach to sickness absence management. GMB has asked Asda to ensure these changes are fair and consistent and believes that a balanced outcome in discussions has been achieved.”
Under the revised approach, managers may issue a counselling note to staff whose absence reaches 3% or more of their shifts, with the note remaining on file for 12 months.
If further sickness occurs, the employee may then be asked to attend a meeting with management.
Asda has lost ground in the grocery market in recent years. Allan Leighton, who became executive chairman in November 2024 and previously held senior roles at Asda between 1992 and 2000, has said he wants more staff visible on the shop floor and hopes to strengthen their sense of responsibility for the supermarket’s performance.
This article is based on a piece written for Personnel Today
