Wolves boost support for staff with sick children

Wolverhampton Wanderers says it has become the first Championship football club to introduce support measures for staff under the principles of Hugh's Law.

The club said it will now provide enhanced paid leave and employment protection for workers with children who become seriously ill.

The move comes amid a national campaign from Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis, whose six-year-old son Hugh died in 2021 of cancer.

If adopted by the government, which is currently consulting on the plans, Hugh's Law would require employers to provide paid leave for carers and guarantee job security.

A spokesperson for Wolves said their new policy would help to ease concerns around income and enable families to "focus on what matters most".

Carly Powell, senior HR manager, said: "As a club, we believe looking after our people goes beyond what happens at work, especially when they're going through some of the hardest times in their lives."

In January, Brentford FC announced it had become the first Premier League club to introduce a new staff policy based on Hugh's Law.

Powell said Brentford had led the way and she hoped Wolves's announcement would encourage other football clubs, businesses and organisations to do the same.

"Together, we can make sure families get better support when they need it most," she added.

Ceri Menai-Davis, who lives in Hertford, said he and his wife were "delighted" to have the club's support.

"Wolves is a club with a proud history and deep roots in its community, so its backing means a great deal to us and the families we represent," he added.

"It also means that families employed by the club will know they will be supported if their child becomes seriously ill, giving them reassurance during the most difficult time of their lives."

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