MAJOR EAST ANGLIAN EMPLOYER SIGNS WORKPLACE PREGNANCY LOSS AND MENOPAUSE PLEDGES

A major East Anglian employer has signed two pledges aimed at demonstrating their commitment to supporting employees who have suffered pregnancy loss, and who are experiencing the menopause.

Chartered Accountants Lovewell Blake, which employs 340people in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, has signed up to both the Pregnancy Loss Pledge and the Menopause Workplace Pledge.  The firm is also recognised with a Gold Award in the ‘Best Employers’ scheme.

Created by the Miscarriage Association, The Pregnancy Loss Pledge includes a ‘pregnancy loss standard’ which will ensure that employees going through this difficult time get the support and time off they need.  The pledge commits Lovewell Blake to implementing a pregnancy loss policy, and creating guidance for manager son how to support a staff member experiencing pregnancy loss.

The Menopause Workplace Pledge recognises that menopause can be an issue in the workplace, encourage employers and managers to talk openly, positively and respectfully with staff about the menopause, and commits employers to support and inform employees affected by the menopause.

“With all of the pressures that every employee is now under, it has never been more important for employers like Lovewell Blake to ensure that we are offering the support to our staff at times of their lives when they are under extra pressure,” said Claire Moore, HR adviser at Lovewell Blake.

“Pregnancy loss is devasting for both parents, and those that manage people in the workplace may need help to ensure they are offering appropriate support to staff members who have experienced a loss.

“Menopause is increasingly recognised as a time of a woman’s life when they need extra support.  An estimated 900,000 women in the UK have had to quit their jobs because of issues around the menopause.

“Not only will signing and implementing these pledges make us a more supportive employer and help our staff when they need that support, but they will help us retain and nurture valuable talent for the future.”

More details on the pregnancy Loss Pledge can be found here: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk/information/miscarriage-and-the-workplace/the-pregnancy-loss-pledge. 

More details on the Menopause Workplace Pledge can be found here: www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk/campaigns/menopausepledge/sign.