Pay for all bereaved parents is backed by Philip Dunne MP

There is currently no legal requirement for employers to allow employees who lose a child to take paid time off work.

The new bill, introduced by Kevin Hollinrake MP, would introduce a statutory entitlement to leave and pay for grieving parents.

The Government is supporting the bill, in keeping with its manifesto commitments, and it was backed by MPs at its second reading on Friday. It will now progress to committee stage.

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne said: “The grief of losing a child is an awful and traumatic experience for any parent.

“Last week was Baby Loss Awareness Week, an issue in which I take a personal interest as Minister of State for Health. There was clear cross-party consensus and an agreement that we must do more.

“I have been moved by the candid and courageous words of campaigners, as well as parliamentary colleagues, who have shared their own personal story of bereavement with the house, as strong advocates to raise awareness of the challenges which child bereavement brings.

“I am pleased the Government is backing this bill, to help give grieving parents the support they need at the most difficult of times.”

Under the bill, employed parents who lose a child under the age of 18 will have the right to two weeks’ paid leave to allow them time to grieve. The leave entitlement will be a day-one right and the pay entitlement will be subject to 26 weeks’ continuous service (as with paternity pay). Mr Hollinrake has said that there would be minimum cost to the employer, as businesses would be able to claim back parental bereavement pay from the Government.

Mr Hollinrake added: “I am really delighted the bill is progressing so well through Parliament as the provisions goes significantly further than most other countries in providing this kind of workplace right for employees.

“I cannot imagine the suffering endured by parents who lose a child and this is a tiny thing we can do to help them start to rebuild their lives.

“Whilst the Government expects employers to be compassionate and flexible during these difficult times, there is currently no legal requirement for employers to provide paid time off for grieving parents.

“Sadly, I have had constituents who have gone through this dreadful experience and many others have shared their heart-breaking stories with me. Whilst some parents prefer to carry on working, others need time off.”