A committee suggests that parents should receive paid leave after a miscarriage, highlighting the need for better support during such losses.
London: MPs are pushing for a new policy that would allow parents to take paid bereavement leave if they experience a miscarriage. They believe sick leave just doesn’t cut it when dealing with such a heartbreaking loss.
Currently, if a baby is stillborn after 24 weeks, parents can get statutory bereavement leave. But for losses before that, like miscarriages, there’s no specific leave. The committee wants to change that and extend the two-week leave to cover early pregnancy losses.
It’s estimated that over 20% of pregnancies end before the 24-week mark, with many happening in the first trimester. While some employers, like NHS Trusts, do offer special leave for pregnancy loss, there are still big gaps in what’s available.
The committee also mentioned the introduction of baby loss certificates but stressed that more support is needed. They pointed out that many women and their partners feel a deep sense of grief after losing a pregnancy before 24 weeks, and this can really affect their work life.
During their research, they found that sick pay often isn’t enough for parents to take the time they need off. Plus, it can be awkward since they might have to explain their absence to their boss.
Committee chair Sarah Owen shared her own experience, saying she was blindsided by the grief of miscarrying. They’re looking to propose changes to the Employment Rights Bill to make sure parents who go through early pregnancy losses get the same support as those who experience stillbirths.
Owen emphasized that many women, including herself, have had to take sick leave when they were actually grieving. She believes it’s crucial to have a legal standard for paid leave for all parents facing these losses.
The committee is urging the government to back these changes or come up with their own to ensure that everyone dealing with the pain of pregnancy loss gets the support they need.
A spokesperson from the Department for Business and Trade acknowledged how tough it is to lose a child and mentioned that many employers are compassionate in these situations. They also noted that the upcoming Employment Rights Bill aims to create a new right to bereavement leave and strengthen protections for new parents.
