The store is one of the first supermarkets in the country to actively encourage parents to bring their children to work during the school holidays, with the launch of its 'Kids R Us @ Asda' creche. It provides all day childcare for up to 32 children aged three to 12 at the cost of 10 a day. The children have commandeered the store's staff training room which has been stocked with toys, books and equipment.
If the creche is a success, it is hoped that it will be replicated at other Asda stores around the country and operate throughout all school holidays.
Customer service manager Teresa Weatherall, who initiated the scheme, said, 'Affordable childcare can be a real problem for colleagues over the summer months, so the obvious solution seemed to be to set up a creche in store. The Kids R Us @ Asda scheme will effectively allow colleagues to bring their children to work and have them cared for by professionals at a fraction of the usual cost.'
The initiative is supported by Tameside Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership chair Jackie Barnes, who said it 'demonstrates an enterprising and sensitive outlook to employees and their childcare needs'.