Essex academic urges employers to improve support around early pregnancy endings

During Baby Loss Awareness Week (October 9-15), Professor Ilaria Boncori is urging employers to use the findings from a new report to improve support for people facing early pregnancy endings.

The groundbreaking report was completed by Professor Boncori from the University of Essex alongside colleagues from the Open University, UCL, Aston University and the University of Plymouth.

Professor Boncori, who will be delivering CIPD training on these issues in November, said: “This research report highlights the importance of understanding early pregnancy endings (occurring before 24 week gestation) as a very common workplace experience that requires targeted support.

“Every pregnancy ending is different, and so is the impact on people and their work. Our research shows the importance of organisational policies as well as the provision of training and support across all types of pregnancy endings (miscarriage, termination, molar and ectopic pregnancies).”

• Find out more about the project Supporting Early Pregnancy Endings in the Workplace

Pregnancy is a protected characteristic under the UK's Equality Act (2010). Yet the report notes that in most workplaces, there is no entitlement to pregnancy-specific leave for employees who experience early pregnancy endings (including miscarriages, abortions, terminations, molar and ectopic pregnancies) before 24 weeks’ gestation. Although early pregnancy endings are common, a lack of awareness, personalised support, compassion, policies and/or guidance, and training can result in workers suffering physically, psychologically, emotionally, and financially, often in silence.

The report highlights four challenges: lack of awareness, concerns about disclosure, variable reactions and support, and differences in entitlements.

The team have recommended ten best practice principles to support individuals in the workplace who experience early pregnancy endings more effectively.

This researchers spoke to employees about navigating their experiences of early pregnancy endings to identify how organisations, especially line managers and HR professionals, might provide better and more personalised support.

The multi-university research was led by Professor Jo Brewis from the Open University. The research gathered data from more than 200 respondents, with Professor Boncori co-conducting a study involving in-depth interviews with people who had lived experience of miscarriage and stillbirth whilst in employment plus representatives of organisations providing support.

The report said: “The findings reveal a troubling lack of workplace support for individuals who experience early pregnancy endings. The research shows that while some employers and managers are compassionate and understanding, many are not equipped to handle such situations appropriately. This inconsistency often leaves affected individuals to navigate their grief and recovery largely on their own, with little to no formal support from their employers.

“Moreover, the research highlights a significant gap in workplace policies related to early pregnancy endings. While some organisations have policies in place for miscarriages, very few extend these policies to cover abortions/terminations. The report also points out the lack of statutory UK protection for individuals experiencing these endings, making it a workplace lottery as to whether someone receives the necessary support.”

Baby Loss Awareness Week and support

Baby Loss Awareness Week is held annually from 9 to 15 October. It’s a special opportunity to mark the lives of babies lost in pregnancy or at or soon after birth.
Specialist support is available through the Miscarriage Association.

University staff can also access the latest advice and support on the Staff Directory.