Overview
- Alice Macdonald used a 10-minute rule slot to propose a statutory right to paid time off for fertility treatment appointments, with the case framed to cover patients and partners.
- New analysis from Fertility Matters at Work estimates annual employer losses of £217.3m from sick leave, reduced productivity and resignations where no formal support exists.
- The research reports that 63% of people undergoing treatment take sick leave to attend appointments and models 10 days’ paid leave at about £388 per affected employee, cheaper than offering five days.
- A government spokesperson pointed to the Employment Rights Bill, which strengthens flexible working to support attendance at medical appointments including IVF, without committing to a new leave right.
- The Commons agreed to add the bill to the parliamentary register, but such measures rarely progress without ministerial support, and the British Chambers of Commerce warned against adding burdensome new leave requirements.