Introducing statutory bereavement leave for those who miscarry during pregnancy, in new employment laws “will make a vital difference”, the Women and Equalities Committee Chair Sarah Owen has said.
In its January report WEC concluded a period of paid leave “should be available to all women and partners who experience a pre-24-week pregnancy loss”, adding “the case for a minimum standard in law is overwhelming”.
The report’s central recommendation announced the Committee’s intention to table amendments to the Government’s flagship Employment Rights Bill in the name of WEC’s Chair Labour MP Sarah Owen and called on Ministers to support or adopt them.
In today’s Employment Right Bill Commons debate, the Government indicated it accepted the need for bereavement leave for pregnancy loss and would have further discussions with the Lords on the matter during the passage of the Bill.
Paying tribute to WEC’s Chair, the Committee and campaigners, Business and Trade Minister Justin Madders said WEC’s report “demonstrated a clear gap in support”, adding the Government “fully accept the principle of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss”. He said “bereavement is not an illness” and pregnancy loss “does need its own special category”.
While there is no commitment yet to statutory pay, such a law change would bring statutory leave in line with existing provision for baby loss after 24 weeks. The...
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