Local MP, Caroline Dinenage welcomes a new workplace right to paid leave for bereaved parents which was officially enshrined in law as the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill achieved Royal Assent last week.
This Bill honours the Government's manifesto commitment to introduce a new entitlement to parental bereavement leave, and was done by a Private Members' Bill introduced by Kevin Hollinrake MP and builds on the work of Will Quince MP along with fellow MPs on both sides of the House.
The first entitlement of its kind in the UK, the new Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act will give all employed parents a day-one right to 2 weeks' leave if they lose a child under the age of 18, or suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy.
Employed parents will also be able to claim pay for this period, subject to meeting eligibility criteria, which is expected to come into force in 2020.
Commenting Caroline said:
"Losing a child is an unimaginable trauma. I am delighted we have reached this important milestone which so many have campaigned for.
This is another upgrade introduced by this Government to improve workers' rights, and builds on our Review of Modern Working Practices, ensuring the UK is at the front of the pack in addressing the challenges and opportunities of working."