Parents undergoing IVF treatment should have a legal right to paid fertility leave, GMB congress said today [Sunday]
A motion passed by the union’s annual congress in Brighton also called for flexible working arrangements during treatment cycles.
Congress heard more than 50,000 people undertake fertility treatment in the UK every year.
Many are forced to take annual or unpaid leave to deal with treatment symptoms and failed treatments - despite the emotional and physical toll.
GMB congress today pledged to launch a national fertility rights campaign and to lobby the Government to introduce fertility rights legislation during this parliament.
Majlinda Perlesi, Sheffield Council worker, told GMB congress:
"For many, IVF isn’t a choice it’s the only option to start or grow a family.
“Yet despite the physical, emotional, and financial toll it takes, there remains little to no structured workplace support.
“Let’s be clear: infertility is a medical condition, recognised by the World Health Organization.
“But unlike other medical treatments, those undergoing IVF are often made to use annual leave, unpaid time off, or sick leave—sometimes even facing stigma, judgement, or discrimination in the workplace.
This is not just unjust—it’s inhumane.”
