Giving time to grieve. How much bereavement leave is enough?

The death of a child must be truly traumatic for any parent.

The last thing they want to be concerned about is feeling obliged to rush back to work straight after losing a child.  Allowing a period of time off to grieve is often effective in helping overcome bereavement in the long term.

Everyone deals with grief in different ways and it can be difficult for employers to know how to best manage and support grieving employees.

What can be done to help?

Today in the House of Commons, MPs have been discussing a new proposed legislation on Parental Bereavement Leave.  The government has also invited organisations and employees to take part in a consultation on it, so they can ensure their feedback is taken in to account whilst finalising the policy.

Who will this help?

It will be available for all working parents who suffer the loss of a child who is under 18.

Other than discretionary compassionate leave that an employer may give, there is currently no specific entitlement to leave or pay to allow grieving parents to have time off work.

Unfortunately, not all employers have been as compassionate and understanding as some and the MP Will Quince, after suffering the terrible loss of his son, has been campaigning for this to change.

How will it help?

If the Bill is passed, it will give eligible employees a minimum of 2 weeks paid bereavement leave, regardless of their length of service.

The leave will not necessarily have to be taken in one go and there will be additional rights for bereaved working parents.

Need some help in supporting your employees?

Maybe one of your employees is grieving or going through a difficult patch and as an employer you are not sure where to start, how to support them or what you can do?