The Co-op has launched a new policy to provide all staff with paid time-off for fertility treatment.
The policy will provide paid leave for employees to attend medical appointments while undergoing fertility treatment, including people using a surrogate. As the company acknowledge that they cannot assume to know what people need, the time off is flexible and unrestricted.
The Co-op, which employs nearly 70,000 people, has confirmed that anyone can access the paid support regardless of how long they have worked at the Co-op or how many hours they work. The rights also extend to employees who need to accompany their partners to fertility treatment appointments, with paid leave for up to ten appointments per cycle and for up to three cycles of fertility treatment.
This announcement follows a number of large companies, such as NatWest and Centrica, launching similar fertility policies last year.
Supporting employees undergoing fertility treatment
There is currently no legal right for employees to take paid leave for fertility treatment in the same way as there is for antenatal care, however, ACAS recommends that employers treat IVF appointments in the same way as any other medical appointments, to support their employees and also to reduce the risk of any discrimination claims.
Employers should recognise that undergoing fertility treatment can be a stressful and lengthy experience and the emotional, physical and financial toll on employees can be significant. Due to the stigma around this incredibly difficult and personal subject, many employees are reluctant to discuss the issue with their employer. The additional difficulties of going through treatment without having support from their employer or colleagues, can lead to further significant emotional and mental health issues. There is unfortunately also often the further stress of needing to manage the physical and emotional impact of failed cycles and even pregnancy loss.
Having appropriate support in place can help tackle the stigma around fertility issues and have a positive impact on culture and equality in the workplace as well as easing the stress on employees of an already incredibly difficult situation.
There are a number of ways employers can help:
- Introduce an IVF and fertility treatment policy which could include provision for paid time off to attend appointments and a period of leave in the event that treatment is unsuccessful. Having a policy in place can provide much needed clarity for employees and help remove any uncertainty they may have about the support available. Having a written policy in place will also encourage open conversations and reduce unexpected absence issues.
- Train managers in how to approach sensitive conversations, support staff and apply policies fairly and consistently across the workforce.
- Offer flexible working, paid or unpaid time off or holiday for individuals undergoing IVF treatment to fit in with appointment times based on hormone levels, side effects and progression of treatment.
- Raise awareness across the workforce through presentations and other forms of information sharing to help create an open culture where people feel supported and able to talk openly about family and personal issues.
If your business needs advice on how to support your employees and implement a fertility policy in your workplace, or if you are an employee undergoing fertility treatment and struggling to balance your work and personal commitments, please contact our Employment Team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.