New bereavement leave rights for workers planned

Workers who suffer the loss of a baby during the early stages of pregnancy could be set to gain new bereavement leave rights, following a change to the bill covering employment rights.

This amendment would see the entitlement to bereavement leave extended to cover employees who lose their babies during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. The government has already indicated that it will support the amendment. Justin Madders, the business minister, said during a Commons debate that he accepted the idea in principle and would collaborate with MPs and Lords on its implementation.

The current laws permit bereavement leave of two weeks with pay for people who lose a baby after the 24-week pregnancy stage. Only pregnancy losses due to stillbirth are covered by these laws, however. This amendment to the employment rights bill would see a range of other causes covered too, including molar pregnancy, ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.

Stacey Mead from The HR Dept Bristol, Bath and North Somerset said that it had the potential to lead to working environments that were more humane and inclusive. She then went on to add that businesses would benefit too, due to improved employee mental health.

Providing the changes become law, businesses will need to adjust to them. One option will be for their provider of employee HR services to produce a written policy document that draws on government guidance.

The proposals have met with widespread support since they were announced, with many arguing that they will be positive for mental health. However, others have suggested that the period of leave should be longer.