Funding Circle has committed to supporting employees who experience a miscarriage by signing a pregnancy loss pledge.
The loan company, which has around 700 UK staff, agreed to the standard set out by the Miscarriage Association, which includes employers understanding and implementing rules about pregnancy-related time off work.
The business has also vowed to establish a supportive working environment, implement a policy or guidance, ensure line managers can access the resources required to deal with a difficult situation and support employees, including partners, in their return to work by being as flexible as possible.
People director Victoria Bradford said: “Funding Circle is a mission-led business, and our people and culture are among our most important assets. We’ve always been committed to supporting our colleagues through all stages of parenthood, and we also recognise that, tragically, not every pregnancy goes to plan and this can be very distressing for those involved.
“We’re proud to have signed the pledge for this important campaign, and hope that we can continue to break the taboo of pregnancy loss in the workplace and support colleagues when they need it most.”
Funding Circle’s commitment follows its introduction of a parental bereavement policy in 2022, which offered extra paid leave for birth parents and partners. The company’s Parents at FC – one of its six diversity, equity and inclusion groups – identified the pledge as a way the organisation could gain recognition for its commitment to supporting those impacted by miscarriage.
The business also offers enhanced maternity pay, leave for partners, adoption leave, and care leave which gives extra paid time off to those who are working carers so they can look after dependents. Employees can further benefit from additional compassionate leave specifically for fertility treatments and parental bereavement.
According to Funding Circle, it is “committed to supporting its employees through all stages of parenthood”.