Wolves have become the first Championship football club to voluntarily introduce a staff policy based on the principles of Hugh’s Law, reinforcing the club’s commitment to supporting colleagues when they need it most.
Hugh’s Law – which gives parents statutory paid leave and job protection from day one when a child is diagnosed with a critical or terminal illness – was established in memory of six-year-old Hugh Menai-Davis, who sadly passed away in 2021 after a 10-month battle with cancer.
In the years since, his parents, Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis, have campaigned tirelessly for stronger protections for working parents, helping to ensure no family has to choose between caring for a seriously ill child and maintaining financial security.
After Brentford became the first Premier League club and organisation in the UK to adopt the policy, Wolves now hope to lead positive change across football and encourage greater support for parents of critically ill children.
As part of the club’s commitment to supporting colleagues through life’s most challenging moments, Wolves has introduced a new policy that provides enhanced paid leave and employment protection for employees whose child becomes critically ill. By easing concerns around work and income, the policy enables families to focus on what matters most, spending precious time caring for their child.
Carly Powell, senior HR manager at Wolves, 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. Hugh's Law is about putting that support into action, and we're really proud to be the first Championship club to bring in a policy based on its principles.
“We've seen the difference Brentford has made by leading the way, and we hope this encourages other football clubs, businesses and organisations to do the same. Together, we can make sure families get better support when they need it most.”
Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis, founders of Hugh’s Law, and the charity ‘It’s Never You’, continue to campaign for lasting legislative change, while welcoming organisations that choose to act now rather than wait for legislation.
Ceri added: “We are delighted to have the support of Wolves for Hugh’s Law. 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.
“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.”
