Take part in our latest readers’ poll on a current topical issue. Last week, Employee Benefits reported that the government launched consultations on new measures in the Employment Rights Bill for bereavement leave, and protections for pregnant women and new mothers at work.
Clause 18 of the Employment Rights Bill introduces a new day-one right to unpaid bereavement leave for employees who experience the loss of a loved one, including pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, to address a longstanding gap in statutory support and recognise that pregnancy loss can be experienced as a bereavement.
The bill sets out statutory minimum requirements, including a minimum leave period of one week and a window of at least 56 days for the employee to take the leave. It also states that the entitlement must include protection against unfair treatment as a result of taking leave, protection of contractual rights while on leave, and protection against unfair dismissal.
The consultation on bereavement leave, including pregnancy loss, asks for views on the eligibility for leave, the nature of the relationship with loved ones, types of pregnancy loss that should be in scope, when and how the leave should be taken, and how employees should give notice and provide evidence.
In light of this, do you think the consultations on new measures for bereavement leave, and protections for pregnant women and new mothers at work go far enough?
