TRAFFORD council employees will benefit from a number of new policies that include more time off for fertility treatment ­— and voluntary work.

Staff may also be entitled to extra leave ­— and pay ­—  if they adopt a child in the UK or from overseas.

Members of the council’s employment committee discussed the new policies during Monday’s meeting.

Sara Saleh, director of people, described the changes as "positive" and said they would improve staff provision.

She said a key change for anyone undergoing fertility investigation ­— and treatment ­— is to increase their time off from three to five days.

“And this applies to both male and female staff,” she added.  

“This special leave is to reflect the amount of time that may be needed to attend appointments ­— and to receive treatment.”

Cllr Jane Slater welcomed the changes ­— and questioned if it is possible to allow staff special leave if their partner is receiving treatment.   

Ms Saleh said it could be "looked into".

Meanwhile, employees considering voluntary work will be entitled to two days paid leave ­— an increase from 12 hours.

However, they must arrange their own placement.

Cllr Graham Whitham questioned why the authority was not involved in organising voluntary work ­— and if it was ‘tracking’ what schemes staff were involved with.

Ms Saleh said: “We want to give employees the opportunity to do the things they are interested in.

“Sometimes it can be very restrictive if the employer is deciding or helping staff find opportunities.”

Angela Beadsworth, head of workforce and strategy, said the new policy is also about highlighting the fact a lot of staff already volunteer.

“And these new policies recognise that,” she said.

“We didn’t want to put any restrictions on staff, however, we will keep a record of all the activities they are undertaking.”  

The authority has also updated its adoption policy to support those going through the process.

The policy states that prospective parents are entitled to three days paid leave to attend meetings, which may involve court appearances.    

In addition, parents in a surrogacy arrangement may also be eligible for leave ­— and pay ­— if they adopt a child or apply for a "parental order".

Ms Saleh added:  “An additional key change in the adoption policy is to make it explicit that it is duel approved, which is also known as fostering for adoption.

“This is when the employee is approved to foster the child before the official adoption has been formalised.”

However, a parent adopting a child will not qualify for leave or pay if they adopt a family member, a stepchild or privately.

Restrictions also apply to staff who become a ‘special guardian’ or carer ­— and those not eligible to obtain a ‘parental order’.

For further information visit democratic.trafford.gov.uk.