New law giving paid leave to support families who suffer loss of a child

New rights giving paid leave to workers suffering the loss of a child have been set out by the Government.

Parents in Britain will have the right to two weeks’ leave if they lose a child under the age of 18 or suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Eligible parents will be able to claim statutory pay under a new law – the first of its kind to offer support to workers.

Foster parents, guardians and adopters will also be covered by the law.

Business minister Kelly Tolhurst (pictured) said: “Dealing with the loss of a child is an awful tragedy which we recognise people will deal with differently.

“It is important this new law is designed so that people are given the space and respect to grieve in their own way.”

Francine Bates, chief executive of the Lullaby Trust charity, said: “Losing a baby or child is a devastating experience for all the family and extending the provisions of the Act to adopters, foster carers, guardians and kinship carers is very important.

“Offering time and flexibility to bereaved families at a time that best suits them is also crucial in supporting them through their journey.”

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