Improving statutory provisions in the workplace for those going through fertility treatment

We are lobbying parliament for statutory changes to employment legislation to enable those needing to attend appointments for fertility treatment the protected right to do so.

Over recent weeks and following Becky's interview on BBC Woman's Hour, we've been in conversation with MP Nickie Aiken to put this issue on the political agenda. We're delighted to say that Nickie has listened to the overwhelming evidence of lack of support and has recognised this is a need that is having serious consequences on both individuals and workforces. In the coming weeks, she will be presenting?parliament with a Private Members Bill designed to provide the right to take time off for fertility treatment, rather than having to try and hide it.?You can listen to our full conversation?here ?as we set the scene for this campaign with Nickie herself, alongside Natalie Sutherland of Burgess Mee, the UK's first fertility officer.

We know from our work that many people hide the fact that they're going through fertility treatment whilst at work, with the main driver often being fear. Fear of not being allowed to go to appointments, of being adversely?impacted due to attending appointments, of being seen as less committed, of sacrificing their careers, with as many as 70% taking sickness absence and 36% considering leaving jobs simply because they can't see a way forward balancing the two. What lies behind these fears is a lack of legislative protection, with many feeling unable to even start this conversation with their employer, let alone to ask for support through this time. This is why this bill is SO important.?

Right now it's a lottery as to whether people feel supported by their employer as they go through fertility treatment. Many who speak to us about having positive experiences often begin by saying "I was lucky that...", and whilst we love to hear about a positive experience, we believe that it shouldn't be down to the luck?of the draw, but should be the norm for people to feel supported during this life event. If statutory protection exists it can become the norm and available for everyone, just like antenatal appointments, meaning people don't have to worry about whether they work for an employer who provides this or not. Personally, I never felt guilt when attending antenatal appointments, but when attending fertility appointments (which were equally necessary and equally medical in nature) guilt was an overwhelming emotion I experienced. Reflecting on this contrast I realise that the difference was simply down to antenatal appointments being more widely recognised and understood through statutory protections, and that's what this is all about - providing recognition, giving permission and being inclusive to the one in six couples and one in seven individuals needing medical help to conceive, including anyone within the LGBTQ+ community who want to have a chance of building a family.

Fear and shame disappear when something is talked about, one of our biggest aims here at Fertility Matters at Work is to remove the shame and stigma that still overshadow these more difficult paths to parenthood. If the government can enable the statutory right to be able to take time off for fertility treatment, it drastically transforms the landscape for those going through?this. It's not just their workplace recognising it, but the law, meaning that they are finally able to disclose, have transparent two way conversations, make mutually beneficial flexible working arrangements, whilst feeling supported and ultimately being able to remain in the workforce whilst on their journey to build a family and beyond. It signals to employers that this is a topic that should be high on the agenda, particularly when it comes to supporting and empowering women in the workplace, as it is women who are predominantly impacted due the nature of the procedures that take place. This all plays into important conversations around flexible working, employee wellbeing, engagement, attraction and retention, as well as the gender pay gap and breaking down the glass ceiling that still exists even today, all things we're passionate about changing.

We'll keep you up to date with what the next few weeks and months will bring, with the hope that soon we can be announcing what will be such a fundamental change that would make such a difference to so many.?