Allwyn UK, operator of The National Lottery, is adding to its market-leading inclusive benefits with 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. 

“This new policy formalises the support we would always have offered to a colleague who found themselves in the unimaginable and very stressful situation of needing to take time off to support a critically ill child. It gives them the time, security and support when it matters most. I am proud to introduce this policy but really hope it’s never needed.”

A full list of benefits offered by Allwyn UK can be found here.

About Allwyn and The National Lottery

Allwyn operates The National Lottery® under licence, raising vital funds that help communities thrive across the UK. Every ticket makes a difference - from grassroots sport and local arts to heritage and community initiatives. Distribution of funds is managed by independent bodies.

• Players of The National Lottery raise around £33 million every week for National Lottery-funded projects. Since its launch in 1994, more than £53 billion has been raised, funding over 680,000 Good Cause projects in every part of the UK. In every postcode district, most people will have benefited from a National Lottery-funded project at some point.
• The National Lottery has awarded players over £103 billion in prize money, creating more than 8,000 millionaires.
•  Learn more about Allwyn and The National Lottery at www.allwyn.co.uk and www.national-lottery.co.uk. · Explore projects funded in your area at www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk.
• Players must be 18 or over. Please play responsibly.

Press enquiries: Allwyn Press Office - 020 7632 5711