Parental bereavement leave

I have been contacted by some constituents to ask for my support of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill.

 

I am pleased to confirm that I (and the Government) supported this Bill and it received the support it needed to pass onto the next stage of becoming a law.

 

Losing a child must cause heartache that is beyond words. I think it is right that employees are able and feel comfortable to take time off to grieve in those awful circumstances. I have a one-year-old son of our own and can only try to imagine such a loss.

 

In supporting this Bill, the Conservative Government is sticking to its manifesto promise to "ensure all families who lose a baby are given the bereavement support they need, including a new entitlement to child bereavement leave".

 

I know many bereaved parents have campaigned tirelessly for paid compassionate leave after the death of a child and, like them, I am very pleased to see that the UK is now leading the way in supporting parents who need time away from work to grieve for the loss of their child.