Two Cities MP, Nickie Aiken, has brought forward legislation to give employees the workplace right to take time off for medical appointments relating to fertility treatment.
3.5 million people in the UK are struggling to conceive naturally, with many turning to fertility treatment such as IVF.
Employment legislation only allows time off for pregnancy, maternity and paternity antenatal care, meaning many employers put fertility treatment in the same category as cosmetic surgery! This should not be the case in 2024.
Whilst Nickie's Fertility Treatment (Employment Rights) Bill was not debated due to time constraints, she will continue to make the case to enhance workplace rights for fertility treatment.
At the same time as Nickie's legislation, she is working with incredible organisations Fertility Matters at Work, Burgess Mee, and Fertility Network UK on the Fertility Workplace Pledge, a voluntary commitment for employers to sign up to and raise awareness of fertility treatment and support those going through it. It’s already supported by major companies like NatWest, Metro Bank, UK Hospitality, and Channel 4. Find out more about the Fertility Workplace Pledge here.
