ELECRTICAL RETAILER and aftercare service provider Currys has unveiled a number of new diversity and inclusion initiatives, including paid time off for workers undergoing gender reassignment surgery or fertility treatment.
The new policies were unveiled by the electricals and technology store on Monday after being developed in partnership with its National Forum, a grouping of the company’s workers from various business units.
There will now be a paid leave policy for up to six sessions for each treatment or transfer cycle for people receiving IVF or other reproductive treatments.
If a baby is born before the 37th week of pregnancy, the employer will extend maternity leave by the number of days the child was born before the due date.
Sarah Burrows, who works in sales, is co-chair of The Pride At Currys committee and has recent experience with gender assignment, called the new policy “really progressive”.
“I know first-hand the huge difference it will make,” she said.
“Financially, it’s significant – being able to take time off work without loss of income.
“It also gives crucial protection, and peace of mind knowing that your job is secure through what can be a long and difficult recovery.
“From an inclusivity standpoint it shows that, working at Currys, people are supported and allowed to be who they want to be.”
Additionally, employees will receive two weeks of compassionate leave if their spouses have just given birth prematurely.
The updated regulations also enable flexible usage of an additional six weeks of paid leave for appointments, surgery, and rehabilitation for persons undergoing gender reassignment.
The company is also launching a new menopausal support policy to promote open communication and to teach employees about real-world assistance and acceptable adjustments.
Chief communications, sustainability, and people officer at Currys Paula Coughlan stated: “We want to ensure that colleagues feel supported in times of need, and we are working hard to create a culture where everyone feels they belong.
“When you’re going through a challenging time, either personally or as a family, this support can help ease worries around potential loss of income or job security.
“This is part and parcel of our ongoing commitment to wellbeing and our objective to have highly engaged colleagues and teams.”
London-based food-to-go chain Itsu introduced a new policy last year to pay staff while they take time off for gender reassignment surgery and train managers to better support pregnant employees as part of a package of new “well-being measures”.
ASOS also launched a policy in 2021, providing paid leave for employees undergoing gender reassignment surgery.
Subscribe for our weekly news letter here!
You can unsubscribe us at any time
