// Co-op to offer staff who have experienced pregnancy loss flexible paid leave
// The new dedicated pregnancy loss policy aims to help staff through the bereavement
Co-op has pledged that it will offer staff who have experienced pregnancy loss flexible paid leave and time off for medical appointments, in an effort to support them.
The retailer’s new dedicated pregnancy loss policy aims to help staff through the bereavement and grief of the loss whether it be through miscarriage, stillbirth, embryo transfer loss, molar pregnancy or termination of pregnancy.
The policy aims to support both parents who have been affected, whether it happens directly to them, their partner or their baby’s surrogate mother.
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Co-op is also equipping managers with a guide on how to provide appropriate practical and emotional support to those going through loss.
The initiative comes after John Lewis Partnership confirmed earlier this month that it would offer any staff member two weeks of paid leave if they experience the loss of a pregnancy.
They will also have access to emotional support through the company’s free counselling and mental health services.
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