Vodafone Ireland announces extended leave for those dealing with fertility treatment and pregnancy loss

A great support for parents.

Vodafone Ireland has today announced new fertility and pregnancy policies which include extended leave for those dealing with fertility treatment and pregnancy loss as well as their partners. Vodafone are also announcing changes to their maternity leave policy, offering the same maternity leave for surrogacy. The announcement marks another significant step in Vodafone’s commitment to ensuring employees are supported through every life stage. The new policy includes extended paid leave of ten days for those impacted by pregnancy loss (when this occurs prior to 24 weeks, after this full maternity leave applies), inclusive of whether the loss occurs to them, their partner or their baby’s surrogate mother. In relation to fertility treatment, Vodafone Ireland is offering ten paid working days leave per annum for those directly undergoing fertility treatment and two days paid leave for partners of those having treatment. Additional flexibility regarding leave will also be offered depending on the situation, as well as hybrid and flexible working, allowing employees time to attend appointments as needed. Speaking with us today Ciara Merrigan, Co-Founder, Irish Families Through Surrogacy shared the following feedback when reviewing Vodafone’s surrogacy leave policy ;

"At a time when there is no specific legislation for surrogacy in Ireland, and the emotional journey which commissioning parents go through, Vodafone Ireland is taking a leadership role in offering a market leading surrogacy leave policy for its employees. Their policy provides the required flexibility during the surrogacy journey and recognises the need for adequate time off to bond with and care for their child once in their care."

Other pioneering programmes implemented by Vodafone include a progressive global menopause commitment, flexible working policies, parental leave that supports families to share caring responsibilities in the home, ReConnect to attract talented women back to the workplace, and a ground-breaking Domestic Violence and Abuse policy.