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IVF: Leave

Asked by Chris CoghlanLiberal DemocratDepartment for Business and TradeTabled Answered 12 December 2025UIN 97026

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will make it his policy to support paid leave for fertility appointments.

Answered by Kate Dearden

Government is committed to supporting working people to balance work with their personal lives, including those navigating fertility treatment. Whilst the government has no plans to introduce a paid leave entitlement for fertility appointments, employers should treat staff fairly and accommodate reasonable requests.

Through the Employment Rights Bill, we are making flexible working available to more people, more easily, which may help employees and employers agree arrangements that support medical appointments, including fertility appointments. Many employers already offer compassionate or flexible working arrangements voluntarily, and we encourage businesses to take supportive action.

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