Paid Leave For Grieving Parents May Soon Be Law
Parents who suffer the death of a child may soon have the statutory right to paid leave. This will affect every employer including, of course, those of domestic/household staff.
The Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Bill will give grieving parents paid leave, taking them away from the workplace in this difficult time. It will continue the government’s aim “to enhance rights and protections in the workplace”
At present, employers do not legally have to grant paid leave to parents in this situation.
Introducing the bill to parliament Kevin Hollinrake MP 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.”
Currently under the Employment Rights Act, employees have the right for a “reasonable” amount of unpaid time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependant, including making arrangements following the death of a dependant. The length of time off is agreed between the employer and employee.
Although this is a Private Members Bill, it is supported by the government.