A new workplace right to paid leave for bereaved parents has been officially enshrined in law on Thursday 13 September 2018 as the Parental Leave and Pay Bill achieves Royal Assent.
The first law of its kind in the UK will support those affected by the tragedy of childhood mortality and is expected to come into force in 2020.
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. The leave must be taken within 56 days of the child’s death.
Source: BEIS: UK first: Parents who lose a child entitled to bereavement leave (13 September 2018).
