Parental bereavement

Supporting employees through the loss of a child

Summary:

Victoria Goldman explains the implications of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018, which comes into force in 2020, and explores what employers and occupational health can do to support working parents through the loss of a child or following stillbirth.

The Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018 (PBLP Act) comes into force in 2020. It will support families who suffer the loss of a child aged under 18 years (or a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy) by giving them the right to two weeks’ paid leave. The legislation focuses on pay and leave, but it also provides an opportunity for employers to reflect on how to approach such a sensitive issue and the specific policies in place and/or whether or not they offer any practical support….

 

Victoria Goldman is a freelance health writer and author.

 

Author: Goldman V

Tags hr - human resources parental leave

Occupational Health at Work October/November 2019 (vol. 16/3) pp16-19

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