Member Article

Accountancy firm spearheads new policy for hope in uncertain times

ACCOUNTANCY firm Robson Laidler has launched a new ‘hope’ policy for staff looking to undergo IVF treatment even during uncertain times.

Following its Continuing Excellence award win at the Better Health at Work Awards earlier this year, the firm which has offices in Newcastle and Durham, is one of the first in the UK to officially launch an IVF policy as part of its ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of its staff.

The company, which works with SMEs and larger blue-chip companies across the north of England, is one of the first businesses to employ such a policy to support its staff where there is currently no legal agenda in place for those struggling with infertility.

The policy, spearheaded by director Amy Park, from Bedlington, who has underwent IVF treatment herself says the announcement of the policy aims to help offer hope as well as reassurance for when employees can return to office-based work following the Covid-19 pandemic, knowing that all aspects of their livelihoods are being looked after by the firm.

She said: “At times like these, we especially take stock of what’s important to us so we wanted to not only reassure employees of the safety of their jobs but also that we are still investing in their health and life choices.

“Infertility is a medical condition and IVF is one of the possible treatments for the condition for those who so desperately want to start a family.

“Not only does the treatment carry a number of medical risks including adverse side-effects but it also carries a lot of risk to a person’s mental health as well as worrying about the future of their careers if employers find out they are having this treatment - all legitimate and real concerns, which need to be handled carefully and with sensitivity.”

Whilst there is no statutory right to time off work for fertility treatment, within the policy the firm recognises that the treatment can be a stressful and emotionally demanding experience and is committed to supporting its employees through the process.

As the law stands presently, a woman going through IVF has no protection under discrimination law afforded to pregnant women, until the point immediately before implantation and for up to 4 weeks after, if the pregnancy is unsuccessful.

Mrs Park continued: “I based the policy on my own experiences as the support I received from Robson Laidler whilst I was undergoing treatment was second to none, so we decided to set out a clear and robust policy, which protects all staff either personally or supporting a partner undergoing fertility treatment.

“A staff member can now take up to five days paid time off for up to three cycles of IUI or IVF treatment and up to two days off for the person supporting a partner undergoing treatment, as well as any time needed for routine appointments or recommended counselling sessions.”

To accompany this Robson Laidler has also launched a menopause policy to allow its female staff who may be experiencing menopause to be protected within a tight HR framework. Robson Laidler regularly undertakes a series of workplace health campaigns not only for its staff but also for local businesses and clients. Lead health advocate at Robson Laidler Gemma Graham added: “The health and wellbeing of our staff is paramount and we believe that in these life decisions, as a general rule, compassion, coupled with clear and fair processes, is a successful combination and what better time to bring about some positivity and hope when normality resumes?”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Robson Laidler .