SHOPWORKERS have welcomed the Co-op’s introduction of paid time off for staff dealing with pregnancy loss, announced today by the retail giant.

The new policy, developed with the Miscarriage Association, includes support for all staff affected by miscarriage, stillbirth, embryo-transfer loss, molar pregnancy or termination for any reason.

It includes flexible paid leave, time off for medical appointments and emergency leave for workers if a family member suffers a pregnancy loss.