The boss of the Co-op's food division is taking a four-month break to support her sons during their exams. Jo Whitfield, chief executive of Co-op food, said she will step away from the business from May to help her two sons study for their GCSEs and A-Levels. She said she wanted to spend more time with her sons to "ease the challenge" in what was a "big year" for them. It sparked a mixed reaction, with some praising her and others noting only the rich could afford the time off. Ms Whitfield, who took home £1.4m in 2020 according to the company's annual report, will take four months of unpaid leave. The opportunity to apply for an unpaid leave of absence is available to all Co-op staff, according to the company. Some praised Ms Whitfield online, with one tweeting: "Good on her for putting her kids first." But others said it was a luxury few workers could afford.
