The government is seeking views to help shape its policy on Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay.
A consultation will consider options for regulations to fulfil certain provisions contained in the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill which is currently being considered in Parliament.The Bill is seeking the introduction of regulations that create a legal requirement for all employers to grant a period of a minimum of two weeks of Parental Bereavement Leave, with pay (if eligible) at the statutory flat rate funded by the government. The aim is to give parents the opportunity to grieve without feeling the pressure of having to be at work at such a challenging time.
The government is keen to ensure the policy is right for those who seek to rely on it and those who have to administer it.
The consultation will focus on:
the definition of a bereaved parent how and when to take the leave notice and evidence requirements.“No bereaved parent should be put in the difficult position of desperately needing time away from work to grieve but instead having their request for time off rejected by their employer,” commented Andrew Griffiths, Minister for Small Business, Consumers & Corporate Responsibility in the foreword of the consultation.
“I am pleased that many employers do act with the compassion and sensitivity needed at such a difficult time, but we have heard too many examples of employers who do not demonstrate the appropriate level of understanding,” he said. “That is why our manifesto made a commitment to ensure that all bereaved parents are able to take some time away from work to grieve for a lost child.”
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 8 June 2018.
