Employees undergoing fertility treatment could be given new legal protections against discrimination if a private members’ bill expected to be tabled shortly is taken forward.
Nickie Aiken, MP for the Cities of London and Westminster, wants specific protections for workers who undergo treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF), including a right to time off work.
Unlike employment legislation for pregnancy, maternity and paternity antenatal care, there is no requirement for employers to grant time off work for IVF, meaning staff often have to go outside working hours, take annual leave, or lie to their employers about their whereabouts.
Aiken claimed that some women who take time off for IVF appointments are treated unfavourably by employers. She told Times Radio that many feel forced to hide their treatment, which can add to the “stress that may lead to unsuccessful treatment”.
She had heard examples of women who had smuggled syringes into office toilets and had lied to managers about where they were while attending IVF appointments.
Many are forced to schedule early morning or weekend appointments which can cost a premium because they do not feel able to attend appointments during their working hours.
She expects to table a private members’ bill that will make it illegal to dismiss or sideline staff who are trying to get pregnant via IVF, and grant workers a legal right to time off for fertility appointments.
“Women are facing discrimination at work and even being...
As actor Kim Soo-hyun has been cleared of false allegations and resumed his activities, he has taken legal action against trolls who continue to spread false information about the actor and engage...