We are one of the first organisations in the South West to offer our colleagues paid leave after the loss of pregnancy.
Under the policy, employees who experience miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy will be allowed to take 10 days’ paid leave. The policy applies to all of our employees regardless of their gender and it covers all pregnancy loss, including loss experienced through adoption or surrogacy.
Wendy Baber, Head of People Operations, said: “Introducing pregnancy loss paid leave is our way of acknowledging the impact of pregnancy loss on employees and supporting them during this sad and difficult time.
“This policy will allow for our colleagues to take time off to grieve and recover, attend medical or counselling appointments, or to manage working more flexibly.
“LiveWest recognises equality, diversity and inclusion. And we want to ensure that our actions and processes are always aligned with these values.
“We know that pregnancy-related support has historically been available only to women. So, this policy will adopt a non-gendered approach - giving both parents equal access to support.”
Under current UK employment law, employees are not entitled to maternity benefits if they lose a pregnancy before 24 completed weeks of pregnancy because the loss is considered a miscarriage.
Parents are only allowed to use planned maternity or paternity leave if the loss happens after 24 weeks, when it is considered a stillbirth.
Wendy Baber said: “Our employees’ wellbeing and mental health is important to us. We are always willing to review, develop and improve our policies to ensure that our people and business thrive. We hope our steps will encourage more organisations in the South West to adopt a similar policy.”