The Struggle of Balancing Work and IVF Treatment

Natalie Rowntree, a 38-year-old from North Yorkshire, has recently begun her IVF journey, describing the process as “intense.” She had seven IVF-related appointments in eight weeks, including multiple blood tests, scans, and X-rays, one of which caused physical discomfort for "a few days." Balancing this with her work as a private optometrist has proven difficult.

The Emotional Burden of IVF

Added to the physical demands of IVF is the emotional burden of having to deal with the process without being entitled to any time off. Natalie had two miscarriages within six months and has been unable to conceive with her partner since. "The emotional side is pretty difficult, and then when I try to deal with that around work…do I bite the bullet and explain what’s happening? Or do I continue to have sick days and holidays?" she says.

The Need for Paid Time Off

According to a study by social enterprise Fertility Matters at Work, Natalie is among around 63% of employees who undergo IVF and take sick leave for treatment – with most saying they did so to hide their treatment from their employer. There are now demands that women undergoing fertility treatment have a legal right to paid time off to attend their appointments. Activists claim that while some employers offer fertility support, it is unequal, not guaranteed, and should be classified as a medical procedure.

The Economic Impact

Pregnancy through IVF allows for the same maternity rights as non-IVF pregnancies, although there are currently no legal rights under labor law when it comes to fertility treatment. This could cost the economy and businesses millions of dollars in lost productivity, according to a new study from Fertility Matters at Work. Becky Kearns from Fertility Matters at Work says granting time off would be a potential benefit for employers, saving the economy millions in lost productivity.

Employers Could Also Benefit

Becky Kearns founded Fertility Matters at Work along with two other women after they each had their own struggles undergoing IVF while trying to stay afloat at work. She believes employers need to be aware of the stress that IVF – which she sees as a "significant life event" – can place on their employees. “You often have to attend a series of very short-term appointments, which depends heavily on how your body reacts to the medication.”

The Government’s Response

The government says that while there is no specific legal right to time off for IVF treatment, it expects employers to treat employees fairly and accommodate reasonable requests. The government also says it is strengthening flexible working rules that will make it easier for workers to reach agreements with their workplace for support. However, this is not enough reassurance for Labor MP Alice MacDonald, who will raise the issue in Parliament through a 10-minute bill that proposes enshrining in law the legal right to time off for fertility appointments.

Finding a Balance

Patrick Milnes of the British Chambers of Commerce says there is concern among businesses about the possibility of "over-legislation", particularly in the run-up to the Employment Rights Bill, which aims to relax rules on flexible working. “Most employers we talk to do this sort of thing anyway as a matter of good practice.” However, Natalie says the legal right to time off would make a “huge” difference to her. "If you didn’t have to think about it: ‘What will my colleagues think about me being free again?’ it would relieve a lot of stress.