Mamas & Papas to give paid IVF leave for staff

Mamas & Papas will offer paid leave for those undergoing IVF

// Mamas & Papas will give those undergoing fertility treatment paid leave for five days per cycle, throughout unlimited cycles of IVF

// As part of its new people agenda, the retailer will also boost parental pay, introduce paid leave for staff that have suffered pregnancy loss, and will better support those undergoing the menopause

Mamas & Papas will give staff undergoing IVF paid leave as part of a raft of new people policies designed to “promote greater inclusivity”.

Workers undergoing fertility treatment will receive five paid days leave per cycle, throughout unlimited cycles of IVF.

As part of its new people agenda, Mamas & Papas has also improved its parental leave for its 800-strong staff.

It will give new parents six months of enhanced pay, with workers receiving the first 13 weeks leave at full pay and the second 13 weeks at half pay, inclusive of statutory maternity pay.

Meanwhile, paternity pay is increased from two to four weeks full salary at the baby products retailer.

Mamas & Papas staff that suffer a pregnancy loss will also be provided with paid leave. 

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The raft of new policies are designed to “reward the people driving its success” and “promote greater inclusivity”, the retailer said.

It has also vowed to give more workplace assistance to those experiencing menopause, and will further develop its managers and staff with specific mental health training.

The new people agenda will also provide flexible working for carers, colleagues who are fostering, and an extra days holiday for those celebrating weddings and civil ceremonies.

Mamas & Papas group human resources director Caroline Cording said: “Our people agenda serves to reinforce our commitment to our people.

“We are delighted to be in a position to introduce these enhanced benefits, which promote flexibility, security, a greater work-life balance and support when it is needed the most.”

Mamas & Papas was sold in a pre-pack administration deal in 2019 to private equity firm Bluegem Capital, which has owned the retailer since 2014.

In its year to the end of December 2021, sales were up 32% and EBITDA was on track to more than double in what chief executive Mark Saunders termed a “landmark year” for the business.

Cording added: “Over the past two years, our business has grown significantly, despite the challenges presented by the pandemic.

“It’s clear this simply wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment of our store colleagues and head office teams. As we look to further expansion, this is about listening to our colleagues, acknowledging the invaluable role they play and rewarding their loyalty.”

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