Aberdeen City Councillors today (Monday 21 November) endorsed two new pledges to support female employees who have experienced pregnancy loss or are going through the menopause.
The pledges were approved at the Council’s Staff Governance Committee and will be formally ratified by Convener, Councillor Neil Copland and Vice Convener, Councillor Gill Al-Samarai. The Pregnancy Loss Pledge is run by the Miscarriage Association and has been signed by many public and private organisations.
Councillor Copland also extended an invitation to the group leaders and two independent councillors sign the pledges.
The main purpose of the Pledge is to urge employers to commit to supporting their staff through the distress of miscarriage, by meeting a pregnancy loss standard that ensures that employees are supported and get the time off they need during what can be a difficult or traumatic time.
The Menopause Workplace Pledge is run by Wellbeing of Women and has been signed by the Scottish Government, the House of Commons, the Civil Service, as well as many other public and private sector organisations in the UK.
The main purpose of the Menopause Workplace Pledge is to get organisations to commit to being a supportive and understanding place for employees going through the menopause.
Councillor Al-Samarai, said: “I am delighted that as a council, we have collectively and rightly - agreed to formalise our approach to supporting those members of staff among our almost 6000 female employees who may have suffered the heartbreak of pregnancy loss or who may be impacted by going through the menopause.
“These are life changing events which can have an enormous impact on women and it is absolutely correct that we do everything we can to support those who are affected by them.
“As a caring employer we have many support mechanisms already in place but by signing the pledges we are reinforcing the positive message to staff who may be struggling that they need not suffer in silence; we can help them.”
Signing up to both pledges will see the Council review its existing relevant policies and procedures in line with its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion plan and with engagement and inclusion with relevant working groups, to determine if any changes or amendments should be made.