In June 2021, Co-op, the UK’s largest consumer co-operative employing nearly 60,000 people, launched a dedicated policy to support employees who have been affected by pregnancy and baby loss including through miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, neonatal loss, embryo transfer loss and termination of pregnancy.
What the policy includes:
- Flexible paid leave.
- Access to emergency leave for employees if a member of their family suffers a pregnancy loss.
- Reasonable adjustments and wellbeing action plans to support a return to work.
- Time off to attend medical appointments or support a partner.
- Access to support and counselling for bereavement and grief.
- Access to GP support, available to colleagues and their families, as well as providing psychologist-led mental health support, complex case support, second medical opinions and proactive health guidance.
The policy has been received positively and continues to be reviewed based on ongoing feedback.
Download the case study to explore how Co-op implemented their policy to create inclusive workplace support for employees experiencing pregnancy or baby loss.
Explore our range of resources on supporting employees through pregnancy or baby loss
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