The issue of bereavement leave for couples who experience a miscarriage has recently gained support from the UK government. Business Minister Justin Madders has expressed his backing for the principle of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss, acknowledging the significant emotional toll it takes on individuals and couples. Currently, employees are eligible for parental bereavement leave if they or their partner have a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, this does not cover cases of miscarriages that occur before the 24-week mark.
Labour MP Sarah Owen, who chairs the Women and Equalities Committee, has been a vocal advocate for extending bereavement leave rights to cover miscarriages before 24 weeks. She has shared her personal experience of miscarriage, emphasizing the profound impact it had on her mental and emotional well-being. Madders commended Owen for her bravery in speaking out and pushing for legislative changes to support those who experience pregnancy loss.
In response to the calls for extended bereavement leave rights, Madders highlighted the importance of recognizing miscarriage as a unique form of bereavement that requires dedicated time for recovery and grieving. He praised Owen and her committee for shedding light on the inadequacies in current support systems for couples dealing with pregnancy loss.
Owen and her committee have proposed amendments to the Employment Rights Bill that would secure two weeks of leave for parents bereaved by pregnancy loss. Madders has indicated the government’s willingness to engage in further discussions with Owen and peers as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
The Employment Rights Bill, which aims to enhance workers’ rights in various areas such as unfair dismissals, flexible working, and sick pay, has sparked debates on several additional proposed amendments. These include calls for impact assessments on introduced measures, a ban on non-disclosure agreements in cases of workplace misconduct, and improvements in paternity and parental partner leave provisions.
Various MPs, including former Labour minister Louise Haigh and Lib Dem MP Layla Moran, have put forth amendments addressing crucial issues such as the misuse of NDAs and the need for better support for paternity and parental partner leave. Stella Creasy, Labour MP for Walthamstow, has advocated for stronger protections for fathers, highlighting the UK’s lag behind other countries in this regard.
As the discussions on the Employment Rights Bill continue, it remains to be seen how these proposed amendments will be incorporated and what implications they will have for workers’ rights in the UK. The government’s stance on embracing bereavement leave for pregnancy loss signals a step in the right direction towards acknowledging and supporting individuals and couples navigating the challenges of miscarriage.
