The Government has presented a new bill which, if successful, will allow grieving parents the right to statutory leave.
The Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Bill will ensure that parents who have suffered the death of a child will receive paid leave from the workplace.
The Government said the Bill delivers on its pledge to “enhance rights and protections” for workers.
Under current laws, employers are not legally required to provide statutory paid leave for grieving parents.
However, employees can take a “reasonable” amount of unpaid time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependant.
Kevin Hollinrake MP, which introduced the Bill to Parliament earlier this month, said: “This is such an important Bill for parents going through the most terrible of times. There is little any of us can do to help, but at least we can make sure that every employer will give them time to grieve.
“I have represented a number of constituents who have had to deal with the tragedy of losing a child and I am honoured to be able to do something to help parents in these desperate circumstances.”
Business minister Margot James said: “The loss of a child is a traumatic experience for any parent. For parents holding down a job at the same time as dealing with their grief, it can be doubly stressful.
“We want parents to get the support they need at this deeply upsetting time that is why Government is supporting this Private Members Bill which will introduce statutory paid bereavement leave for employed parents.”
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