A Bill has been introduced to allow employed parents who have suffered the death of a child to receive statutory paid leave to grieve, as part of the government’s promise to ensure bereavement support for employees despite a similar Bill failing to reach the second reading stage last year
The Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Bill was introduced to Parliament on 19 June by Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake.
Currently there is not legal requirement for employers to provide paid leave for grieving parents despite government expectations for employers to be compassionate and flexible, although this is not always the case.
The Bill is expected to have its second reading in autumn.
A similar Bill, Parental Bereavement Leave (Statutory Entitlement) Bill, was introduced by MP Will Quince on 6 September under the 10 minute rule but failed to get a second reading.
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.
‘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.’
Margot James, business minister, 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.’
