Supermarket retailer Co-op, which employs almost 60,000 people, has introduced a fertility treatment policy for its employees, to mark the start of National Fertility Week (31 October – 4 November).
The initiative was introduced as part of its commitment to create an inclusive workplace, and provides flexible unrestricted paid time off for staff, including those using a surrogate, to attend medical appointments while undergoing fertility treatment. All employees are eligible for this regardless of how long they have worked for Co-op or the number of hours they work.
Partners of staff undergoing treatment, including same sex partners, and intended parents and staff conceiving through a surrogate, will also get paid time off to enable them to attend appointments. They will be able to take paid leave for up to 10 appointments per cycle for up to three cycles of fertility treatment.
The policy also has a section on embryo transfer and pregnancy rights, including a connection to its pregnancy loss policy if embryo transfer is not successful, and offers access to useful information and specialist support from charities and support groups. Co-op is also set to launch a specific guide for managers to help provide appropriate practical and emotional support to those going through fertility treatment.
According to the retailer, it has made the policy publicly available to not only help its own workers, but to encourage other businesses to introduce dedicated fertility treatment polices.
Shirine Khoury-Haq, chief executive of Co-op, said: “It’s incredibly difficult to navigate through fertility treatment while balancing work and the wider impact it has on your life. Sadly, in some cases, there is also the need to manage the physical and emotional impact of failed cycles and even pregnancy loss.
“The decision to discuss this with your employer is an incredibly difficult and personal one. However, by creating a supportive environment companies can go a long way in opening the conversation with colleagues and easing the stress that people in this situation often feel. I feel very proud that the Co-op is leading the way on launching a fertility policy and supporting our colleagues at a time when they need it most.”