Co-op is enhancing its pregnancy loss policy by doubling paid leave from five to 10 days.
The convenience retailer said it was reinforcing its commitment to support colleagues through the bereavement and grief of pregnancy loss.
Alongside the extension of paid leave, with additional flexibility according to individual circumstances, the policy also includes paid time off for medical appointments, plus access to counselling and mental health support through Co-op’s colleague wellbeing services.
There is also access to emergency leave where a colleague’s family member experiences pregnancy loss, and support for managers to enable sensitive, timely conversations and practical help.
The update to Co-op’s pregnancy loss policy follows a parliamentary reception on 15 October in the House of Commons, organised by the Miscarriage Association, sponsored by Co-op, and hosted by MP Sarah Owen, who is the chair of the Women and Equalities Select Committee, to mark the success of the campaign to introduce statutory bereavement leave for pregnancy loss through the Employment Rights Bill.
“Losing a baby at any stage is devastating, and no one should have to navigate that heartbreak without support,” said Co-op Group CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq. “By doubling paid leave for pregnancy loss, we’re giving our colleagues the time and space they need, without added financial or work pressures. This is about compassion, fairness and breaking the silence around pregnancy loss.
“Co-op also welcomes the Employment Rights Bill as a vital step forward and urge swift implementation, clear guidance for employers and – crucially – for more businesses to follow our lead and offer paid leave as standard.”
Miscarriage Association CEO Vicki Robinson said: “We’re delighted to see the Co-op continue to lead the way in supporting colleagues through pregnancy loss. Doubling paid leave shows real compassion and sets an important example for other employers to follow.
“The Co-op has been a strong supporter of our Leave for Every Loss campaign, and this update reinforces their commitment to treating pregnancy loss as the bereavement it is.”
Owen said: “Pregnancy loss is a bereavement, not an illness, and no one should have to face that heartbreak without time and support to grieve.
“Co-op’s decision to double paid leave for pregnancy loss sets an important example for employers across the UK. It shows real leadership and compassion at a time when we need more businesses to step up and recognise the impact of baby loss on families. This is about dignity, fairness and breaking the silence around an issue that affects hundreds of thousands of people every year.”
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