Paid compassionate leave for bereaved parents after the death of a child under 18 has taken a step closer to becoming a reality.
Proposed legislation was approved unopposed at its second reading in the House of Commons on Friday, 20 October. It is now set to enter the statute books in 2020.
Under current legislation, grieving parents do not have an automatic right to take time off, although employers are expected to allow ‘reasonable’ unpaid leave to deal with a family emergency, which could include making arrangements following a child’s death.
Minimum of two weeks paid bereavement leave
Supporters of the private member’s bill, tabled by Conservative MP Kevin Hollinrake, hope parents who lose a child will be able to take a minimum of two weeks paid absence.
Mr Hollinrake explained why the law needs to change, giving the example of an NHS employee who was offered just five days’ leave following the sudden death of their youngest daughter, with any additional time having to be taken as annual leave.
Under the provisions of the bill, small firms would be able to reclaim the full cost from the government, while larger firms could recover 90 per cent.
Bill receives cross-party support
The second reading success was the culmination of an all-party campaign by MPs for statutory bereavement leave for parents.
Private member’s bills rarely become law due to a lack of parliamentary time, but the Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Bill is more likely to succeed because it is being backed by the government.
Why the government is backing the proposals
Business minister Margot James said the government decided to support the bill because it wants parents to feel fully supported by their employer during the deeply distressing ordeal of losing a child.
Mrs James added that the bill mirrors existing employment provisions to minimise additional complexity for employers as well as parents.
A number of charities backing bereaved parents have applauded the proposed legislation. These include Cruse Bereavement Care and The Lullaby Trust. Francine Bates, CEO of The Lullaby Trust, said it is ‘vitally important’ that bereaved parents are not made to return to work before they are ready.
For further advice on employment law, call Michael Shroot on 0161 761 4611 or email him/her at michael.shroot@whnsolicitors.co.uk
