Allwyn UK, the operator of The National Lottery, has introduced a new workplace policy granting parents and carers of critically ill children up to 12 weeks of fully paid leave.
The benefit applies to employees who have been with the company for at least 26 weeks and covers children between the ages of 29 days and 18 years.
The move expands the company’s existing family support framework, which already included provisions for parents of critically ill newborns up to 29 days old under a neonatal care policy. By extending coverage to older children, the operator aims to address a broader range of family health situations and remove financial pressure during extended periods of care.
The approximately 1,400-person company also offers equal maternity and paternity leave of 16 weeks at full pay, followed by a further 16 weeks at 50% pay, with the same structure applied to adoptive parents.
Sam Sheriff, CPPO 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. I am proud to introduce this policy but really hope it's never needed.”
Allwyn’s latest financial results point to continued steady growth across the group. In its FY2025 results, the company reported total revenue of €8.99bn, up 4% year-on-year, with net revenue also increasing 4% to €4.11bn.
The performance was driven in part by digital expansion, with online net gaming revenue rising 11%, while adjusted EBITDA reached €1.58bn, also up 4%. The results reflect ongoing momentum as the group continues to strengthen its position across regulated markets.
Allwyn has recently announced the appointment of Katie Harbron as its new Director of Games
