Bereaved parents to get paid leave so they can grieve

Parents who suffer the death of a child would receive statutory paid leave to grieve, under a proposed new law being supported by the government.

Currently there is no legal requirement for employers to provide paid leave for grieving parents.

The Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Bill seeks to ensure grieving parents receive paid leave to grieve away from the workplace.

Kevin Hollinrake MP introduced the bill into Parliament and it is being supported by the government.

Mr Hollinrake 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.”

Business Minister Margot James said: “Over the summer, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will be working with employers, employee representatives and campaigners on behalf of working families to understand better the needs of bereaved parents and employers.”

The Bill is expected to have its second reading in the autumn. Ministers say it’s an example of the government’s pledge to “enhance rights and protections in the workplace”.

Please contact Robert Bedford if you would like more information about the issues raised in this article or any aspect of employment law.