Planned changes to the Employment Rights Bill will grant bereavement leave to parents experiencing pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Currently, such leave exists only for losses after 24 weeks. The government aims to ensure parents have time to grieve and will confirm the duration of leave, projected to be at least one week. Reactions from MPs and organizations emphasize the recognition of pre-24-week loss and its profound emotional impact on parents and partners, as this shift aims to support grieving individuals more comprehensively.
"No one who is going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss should have to go back to work before they are ready," said Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
The extended right to leave will be for 'at least' one week, though the exact length is still being consulted on.
Vicki Robinson, chief executive of the Miscarriage Association, welcomed the announcement, stating it is a hugely important step that acknowledges the often very significant impact of pre-24-week loss.
Labour MP Sarah Owen shared her personal experience of miscarriage, expressing that she experienced classic signs of grieving and struggled to cope.
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