Basingstoke MP, Maria Miller, recently met with Jack Gardener, partner at Phillips Solicitors, to discuss policies the firm have implemented in the past 12 months to better support their staff on issues of fertility, miscarriage and the menopause.
Maria said: "Good businesses support the people they employ, including through major challenges that can effect different stages in their careers. Fertility problems, miscarriage and the menopause are all issues people have to deal with as well as continuing to work. It is good to see employers taking action and implementing polices that provide better support."
Jack said: “I came up with the idea after speaking to friends who were struggling to conceive. It seemed odd that companies would pay for training or provide assistance with parking or train tickets, but not help with such a fundamental issue, which can have a serious impact on the aspiring parents’ mental health. Ensuring that people are able to talk about their treatment and manage their workload is important. By introducing the policy, we are continuing to build a culture where parents and aspiring parents are able to talk about their issues and seek assistance from their colleagues.”
The three polices include:
- The Fertility Policy, which includes a loan of up to £5,000 to fund treatment, time off to prepare for, and rest after, treatment, and counselling services;
- The Miscarriage Policy, which provides support and additional time off for both mothers and partners during this difficult time;
- The Menopause Policy, which helps raise awareness throughout the work force and includes paying for treatment to help those going through the menopause and find coping techniques.
