Many organisations already offer employees some time of bereavement leave, from 2-10 days paid. Leave can also be granted as as unpaid as well as an lieu time and holidays can be used to take more time off.
In April 2020, the UK government introduced new legislation regarding leave for parents; whereby you can take up to 2 weeks leave from work, for each child that has died (including stillborn children), from the 1st day of your employment.
This can be taken as 2 weeks in one block, 2 different weeks or only one week.
However, all parents must qualify for this right. You were the child’s parent, or partner of the parent and have had the responsibility of raising the child. However, if there was a contact order in place or parental order, this may exclude some parents.
Find out more how parents can be eligible here.
You will also need to be an employee and must give notice to the employer of the intention to take the leave.
What pay will I receive?
You will be entitled to Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay if you have been continuously employer for at least 26 week, on the Saturday following the week of the death or stillbirth.
You can take 2 weeks’ leave from the first day of your employment for each child who has died or was stillborn if you’re eligible.
If you need help understanding this new legislation, please do not hesitate to get in touch with one of our HR experts: 0843 176 0266 / hello@specialisedhr.co.uk.
Please also visit our website and resource centre for further online support: https://specialisedhr.employmentlawlibrary.co.uk/