Buy-to-let lender Landbay has introduced a miscarriage leave policy for women who lose their babies during pregnancy.

In what it is hailing as a first for UK businesses, Landbay will allow women up to six weeks fully paid leave if they suffer a miscarriage.

The leave is in increments, if a loss is experienced in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, when most miscarriages happen, women can take two weeks leave. If the loss is between 12 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, the time off goes up to four weeks. For 20 to 24 weeks, the leave is up to six weeks. Above 24 weeks the baby is classed as stillborn and women are legally entitled to full maternity leave.

In addition, partners will be able to take two weeks leave to support their loved one. If the loss is after 24 weeks, they can take up to four weeks paid leave.

Naomi Braisby, human resources director at Landbay, said: “Imperial College London estimates there are 250,000 miscarriages in the UK every year and one in six women suffer from long-term stress as a result.

“I want to ensure we are doing the best for our staff, to let them know they are supported and take away the stress of uncertainty or potentially distressing conversations in the workplace. Being able to take up to six weeks off, without any questions asked, will, we hope, be one less burden for women at such a traumatic time.”

In addition, Landbay offers mental health support through an Employee Assistance Programme and multiple mental health first aiders are deployed across the business.