UK’s biggest gas distributor becomes the first fertility-friendly utility company

The UK’s biggest gas distributor Cadent has become the first fertility-friendly organisation in the utility sector.

After undergoing Fertility Matters at Work’s accreditation, Cadent, which employs over 6,000 people, has implemented a policy for individuals going through fertility treatment, allowing employees paid time off to attend fertility appointments and attend their partner’s appointments where applicable.

With one in six couples struggling with infertility, the energy company said it realised that its staff would benefit from having access to a dedicated fertility policy.

The need to undergo specialist training was driven by Kelly-Anne Morris, regulatory specialist and, more recently, fertility lead at Cadent.

The employee started the conversation around improving the utility organisation’s policies and available support due to experiencing infertility and wanting to inspire change internally.

Subsequently, this led to another employee, Liz Brand, who had a similar experience, joining Morris as co-fertility lead.

Alongside its new policy, the company will also offer guidance documents and e-learning for line managers and staff, aiming to raise awareness of fertility issues and give staff the capability to offer support.

“The topic of infertility is becoming much less of a taboo subject at Cadent,” explained Morris.

“People are now more likely to have a conversation with their line manager and colleagues if they feel they will be supported with the journey.

“To have an open culture where issues like this can be discussed openly by our employees, knowing there is support, has been game changing.”

She added: “We have a number of people who have previously shared their infertility story throughout the company and they received a great response and encouraged others to talk about their own experiences.”

Natalie Silverman, co-founder of the community interest company Fertility Matters at Works, said: “As the first company within the utility sector with a majority male workforce, it is a testament to the team that Cadent is supportive of its employees.

“We hope this sets an example for other energy companies to consider if they do all they can to support and cater to their employees’ needs.”