Marks & Spencer (M&S)

Marks & Spencer increased its paid paternity leave from two to six weeks in 2024, with employees reporting significant family benefits. M&S and other retailers such as Tesco now offer substantially more generous packages than the statutory two-week entitlement, highlighting a growing sector gap with construction and agriculture. Campaigners and more than 100 Labour MPs are urging the government to expand statutory paternity provision, with proposals for six weeks paid at 90% of earnings and inclusion of self-employed fathers. » More on theguardian.com

Marks & Spencer will introduce Sephora-branded areas staffed by Sephora advisers in 100 M&S stores and sell Sephora products on its website from spring next year. The partnership is part of M&S’s wider transformation and aims to attract younger shoppers while expanding its beauty offering alongside its own-label ranges. Sephora, which relaunched in the UK in 2023, will use the tie-up to accelerate expansion and reach its target 24–36 female audience through M&S’s estate and digital platform. » More on theguardian.com

M&S has introduced a £28 'hip boost' bodysuit that includes pockets for removable pads to create an hourglass silhouette. The product responds to customer demand for subtle enhancement and follows the retailer's previous padded shapewear items. The launch reflects a wider trend toward enhancing shapewear seen on catwalks and rival brands such as Skims. » More on theguardian.com