Allowing for fertility treatment 

 

While there is no specific legal right for an employee to take time off work for fertility treatment, these pages will guide you through what you can do. An employer may agree with its employee to allow him or her to take time off work for fertility treatment. If an employee suffers a detriment or is dismissed as a result of fertility treatment, the employee may be able to claim sex discrimination.  It is a good idea for an employer to seek advice in these circumstances.

On this page

 

The law

There is no specific legal right for an employee to take time off work for fertility treatment.

If an employee is subjected to a detriment or dismissed by their employer for a reason relating to fertility treatment, this may constitute sex discrimination in certain circumstances. See our advisor information on Sickness relating to fertility treatment in England and Wales or Scotland.

Relevant Legislation

  • Sex Discrimination Act 1975.

Please note that the legislation noted above has been amended since it originally came into force. You must ensure, therefore, that you refer to the most recent version.


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