Unum has enhanced its pregnancy loss support for all its employees.
The employe benefits provider has updated its additional leave policy with a new section on miscarriage and pregnancy loss, while ensuring appropriate help is signposted to staff – via external specialist support groups or through its Help@hand app.
Unum has also issued practical guidance to managers around having sensitive conversations around pregnancy loss. This help is available to all employees who suffer or are affected by baby loss prior to 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Irrespective of how long they have worked for Unum, employees are eligible for two weeks’ paid leave without the need to use sick pay entitlement. This includes those who are impacted by a partner or surrogate’s pregnancy loss.
These additional support comes after Unum signed the Miscarriage Association’s pregnancy loss pledge. Unum also discussed the changes with its Employee Consultative Group (ECG) which had asked for improved resources, better signposting and more support for managers.
At the start of Baby Loss Awareness Week Unum will also be launching a new Sharepoint page for managers. This page also includes more useful resources such as links to baby loss charities.
Unum UK HR director Jane Hulme says: “We recognise that pregnancy loss can be a hugely challenging and emotional time in a person’s life yet one in fie pregnancies end in miscarriage.
“By enhancing our resources and signing the pledge, we wish to provide more support to colleagues and their managers.”
