Basingstoke-based law firm Phillips Solicitors continues to lead the way by launching a pioneering policy that provides financial and emotional support for employees struggling to conceive.

The new policy will support staff that have struggled to conceive through a number of ways, including five additional days of leave for hospital visits and for post treatment recovery and an interest-free loan of up to £5,000 to cover the costs of fertility treatment.

The loan and additional annual leave is available regardless of whether the recipient is a staff member or their partner.

Recent NHS estimates put the cost of one single cycle of treatment at £5,000 and the estimated success rate amongst women aged 38 to 39 at 15%[1].

Specific professional emotional support and counselling is also to be provided for those receiving treatment.

The firm believes the combined package of time-off, financial support and psychological assistance marks the firm out as one of the most forward-thinking companies and, certainly law firms, in the country.

Jack Gardener, father and Director of the firm with over 70 employees explains the reasons for introducing the policy:

“I have witnessed the emotional and financial stress that can impact couples trying to conceive. At Phillips, we strive to support staff wellbeing beyond the workplace and through some of life’s major milestones.

Our new policy not only raises awareness and starts a conversation about fertility, but it also recognises the importance of being able to take time away from the office, to recuperate and gives what can be a stressful process the highest chance of success possible.

It is baffling that many large businesses support employees to purchase annual travel tickets, bicycles or cars but may not have considered helping their employees through significant periods in their lives. I hope we will set an example for the law industry and beyond to think innovatively about the range of support they can provide their staff beyond the workplace.”

The fertility policy is just one part of Phillip’s wellbeing and family friendly policies which have included significantly enhanced maternity, miscarriage and menopause policies.

[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ivf/