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BBC News
By Simon Read
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A digital bank is offering its workers paid leave after pregnancy loss, such as miscarriage or abortion.
Monzo s new policy echoes a similar move announced by broadcaster Channel 4 last month.
Both companies will allow either partner affected to take up to two weeks additional paid leave. Monzo takes the mental health of its staff incredibly seriously, the bank said.
Under the new policy, workers who suffer from pregnancy loss, including stillbirth, miscarriage and abortion, will have up to 10 days additional paid leave.
The leave will also be offered to workers who are partners or surrogate mothers, recognising that pregnancy loss doesn t just affect women or heterosexual partners , the bank said.
“This also includes colleagues who are partners or surrogate mothers, recognising that pregnancy loss doesn’t just affect women or heterosexual couples,” the bank said. Extra leave can be approved by managers if staff feel they need more than two weeks.
Under UK employment law, businesses only have to allow parents to use planned maternity or paternity leave if they lose their baby after 24 weeks, when it is considered a stillbirth.
Any loss before that is counted as a miscarriage and does not qualify them for maternity leave or pay. It is then up to the discretion of employers whether to offer compassionate leave, annual leave or unpaid holiday.