Over the last few years Vodafone, the British multinational telecommunications company with 9,400 employees, has developed a series of inclusive policies to support employees when they need it most. As part of this initiative, in April 2022 Vodafone UK introduced a new policy to provide the same support to people who experience pregnancy loss at any stage, as those who experience a stillbirth or death of a child under 18.
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Workplace support for employees experiencing pregnancy or baby loss: Vodafone UK case studyWhat the policy includes:
- Up to two contractual weeks of compassionate leave on full pay. This leave is in addition to an employee’s right in the UK to take maternity or paternity leave if they lose a baby during or after the 24th week of pregnancy, or during a period of maternity or paternity leave.
- Leave for all parents or expected parents irrespective of gender, including adopters, foster parents and guardians and parents of a child born or due to be born to a surrogate.
- Additional support through Vodafone’s mental health and wellbeing policies, such as access to a 24/7 remote GP and a free internal counselling service.
The policy is bolstered by Vodafone’s peer-led support and employee networks, which offer practical help and support, and continue to play a part in shaping policy change. The response to the policy changes has been extremely positive and progress will continue to be monitored.
Explore our range of resources on supporting employees through pregnancy or baby loss
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