Accounting giant PwC is to allow its employees paid time off for fertility treatment, The Mail on Sunday can reveal.
The big four auditor is rolling out a new policy next month that will give employees eight days of annual paid leave for fertility consultations and appointments.
Any employee whose partner is having fertility treatment will be allowed two days off to provide support. Sally Cosgrove, a partner at PwC, said: ‘One of the things that is common to a lot of people going through this experience is that it can feel very lonely.
Sign of the times: The big four auditor is rolling out a new policy next month that will give employees eight days of annual paid leave for fertility consultations and appointments
‘It can be such a rollercoaster of hope, treatment and then disappointment. It can really take its toll on your well being.
‘It’s not something we openly discuss – especially in the workplace. It’s one of those issues that feels taboo to talk about.’
PwC said: ‘In response to feedback from our people, this policy will be put in place alongside additional support measures – like a new fertility support network – and building awareness within our firm about fertility.’
Last week, The Mail on Sunday revealed that British Gas owner Centrica and state-backed bank NatWest are offering staff access to discounted fertility services from IVF to sperm and egg freezing. A total of 80,000 employees stand to benefit.
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