The Government has confirmed that it will bring amendments to the Employment Rights Bill regarding miscarriage leaves to the House of Lords.
In a House of Commons discussion during the Report Stage of the Bill, earlier this month, the Government said that it had “fully accepted” bereavement leaves for miscarriages.
Sarah Owen, the chair of the Women and Equalities Committee and the lead MP who submitted the amendments to Bill, has been campaigning to provide a period paid leave for women and their partners who suffer a loss before the 24-week mark.
The government has acknowledged that there can be more done to help parents who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks.
The report of the Committee was very valuable in that it highlighted the emotional and physical impact pregnancy loss can have both on employees and their partner, as well the lack of support available for those who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks.”
We understand that grief affects everyone differently and in different ways. However, we also recognize that pregnancy loss is often experienced as a bereavement.
We look forward to continuing discussions with the Committee when the Bill is introduced in the House of Lords.
Justin Madders, the minister of business and trade, said that the report showed “a clear gap” in support and thanked WEC for highlighting this.
WEC’s Report cited statistics estimating that one out of five pregnancies ends in loss before the 24th week.
The Neonatal Care Act will come into effect in April. This Act gives eligible parents 12 paid weeks of leave if their babies are born too early. There is no provision at present for loss of pregnancy before 24 weeks. Bereavement Leave for Parents is now available to parents who have a stillbirth following 24 weeks of pregnancy.
In response to the question, the government said that it would also work with employers and employer organisations such as the CIPD or Acas in order to promote “generous” and “flexible” policies for pre-24-week pregnancy leave.
Owen said that the government’s response was “hugely welcomed”.
She said: “As found in the Women and Equalities Committee report of January on bereavement and miscarriage leave, the case for minimum standards in law is overwhelming.”
Miscarriages, and other pregnancy losses before 24 weeks can have devastating emotional and physical effects on women and their families.
“Like many other women, I understand that when you lose your pregnancy, you’re not sick. You are grieving. It is a positive step for the government to recognize this need.
She said that while the government has not yet committed to statutory paid leaves, she was pleased that they were exploring options.
The UK would become one of four countries that has set the standard for employers in recognising that those who suffer the physical and emotional pain associated with miscarriage can take as much time to grieve.
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