Diageo to support UK employees undergoing fertility treatment

Diageo has announced the launch of new policies to assist UK employees undergoing fertility treatment.

As part of the Fertility Support Guidelines, staff who are either going through fertility treatment or have a partner going through treatment will be entitled to additional paid leave and will be provided with additional support.

According to Fertility Network UK, there are more than three and a half million people in the UK currently experiencing fertility problems, and the majority of them are in employment.

Additionally, 60,000 people go through fertility treatment each year.

Diageo aims to create “a nurturing environment” and raise awareness of fertility issues and the mental and physical toll faced by those affected.

The company has partnered with the educational training provider, Fertility Matters at Work, to ensure its new guidelines act as an educational tool that outline the reality of fertility issues and treatment.

“Ensuring that our people feel supported to bring their whole selves to work is a tenet that underpins our business,” said Caroline Rhodes, global inclusion and diversity director at Diageo.

“So many people are directly impacted by fertility issues and every person’s experience is unique.

“These guidelines will provide greater support, understanding, and raise awareness on fertility matters for all of our people, while most importantly helping those directly impacted.

“I want to personally thank our employees who have partnered with us on these guidelines, sharing their own lived experiences with such candour and honesty, helping us to consider the key needs of individuals during what can be a highly emotional and stressful journey.”

Natalie Silverman, co-founder of Fertility Matters at Work, said: “We’re really proud to be working with a range of businesses dedicated to supporting their employees through ensuring appropriate policy and guidance is in place, and that this is supported by awareness raising and education.

“It’s great to see companies like Diageo recognise that the journey to building a family isn’t always linear, and for some, it can be physically and emotionally challenging.

“We’re confident that participating in our Fertility Friendly training and working toward our accreditation will help bring to life and support the new fertility support guidelines at Diageo.”