Miscarriage or stillbirth: Model policy on supporting employees

XpertHR's Policies and documents tool has been enhanced with the addition of a model policy on supporting employees affected by miscarriage or stillbirth, written in consultation with the Miscarriage Association.

With one in four pregnancies resulting in a miscarriage, it is essential for employers to support affected employees so that they feel able to discuss their situation and are informed about their rights to time off and available support.

Failing to support employees after a miscarriage or stillbirth risks the employer losing valuable staff and, at worst, expensive employment tribunal claims.

This model policy is intended to assist HR professionals and line managers to set out the support available to the employee. The policy sets out the various rights to time off to which an employee may be entitled, explains how the employee's return to work will be handled, and includes the practical steps that colleagues can take to help an employee who suffers a miscarriage at work.

To find out more about how HR, line managers and colleagues can support employees affected by miscarriage or stillbirth, listen to our recent podcast with the authors of this policy, Vicki Robinson of the Miscarriage Association and Jo Broadbent.