>Chris is a partner in the Employment Law Group of the Arthur Cox Belfast Office in Northern Ireland.
Chris has extensive experience dealing with both contentious and non-contentious employment law matters. Chris advises a range of employers on all aspects of employment law including executive appointments, severance, grievances, disciplinary issues and trade union matters. Chris has represented clients before the Industrial Tribunal, Fair Employment Tribunal and the Court of Appeal in Northern Ireland in employment litigation such as unfair dismissal, equality/discrimination and whistleblowing. Chris’ practice area includes advisory work and corporate transactions.
What Are an Employer’s Obligations to Employees Undergoing IVF Treatment?
Currently, there is no legal right for time off work for fertility treatment, but any sickness should be treated like any other sickness if unable to work. There are pregnancy rights once you have had the last part of the IVF process (embryo transfer) and might become pregnant.
At the moment the UK follows the IVF and assisted conception policy which outlines the support available to employees who are undergoing, or who are companions to individuals undergoing, treatment associated with IVF. However, new legislation is underway. A campaign for change in employment law was presented to Parliament “Fertility Treatment (Employment Rights) Bill”. Under the proposed legislation, employers would also be required to have a workplace fertility policy, which would include guidance on things like time off work for treatment and miscarriage, flexible working and access to HR support and counselling.
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