Bereavement leave to be made law
In 2020, the government will introduce a new leave entitlement, bereavement leave, being a statutory entitlement, it will be paid leave.
There is currently no requirement for you as an employer to grant leave in these harrowing times , although common decency comes into play an time is allowed off. But because this is not a statutory entitlement, the employer decides if they will pay the employee during this period.
Once the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018 becomes law, working parents will get a day-one right (meaning they get it as soon as they start their roles) of two weeks’ leave should they suffer the loss of a child under the age of 18 or a miscarriage after 24 weeks of pregnancy. They’ll also be able to claim pay for this period, should they be eligible.
At the moment, it is not know if only biological parents, will qualify as “parents” but it may extend to include foster parents, adoptive parents and legal guardians.
The Government will confirm the full details on a future date before including them in the final regulations.
The Graham Agency, keeping you informed.