The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has published a consultation on parental bereavement leave and pay which closes on 8 June 2018.
The aim of the consultation is to ensure that the government's policy works for those seeking to take it, as well as those who have to administer it. The consultation is coinciding with the Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Bill 2017-19's passage through Parliament.
The Bill gives the employees who lose a child below the age of 18 the right to:
- At least 2 weeks' leave (irrespective of their length of service)
- At least 2 weeks' statutory bereavement pay
- Protection from detriment, redundancy and dismissal as a result of them taking bereavement leave
The consultation sets out examples of the kinds of relationships which ought to be included within the definition of a "bereaved parent". It seeks views on how and when the leave can be taken, noting the importance of striking the right balance between flexibility for bereaved parents, and the need for employers to have a degree of certainty over when and how their employers can take such leave and pay. The consultation also seeks views on whether it is reasonable for notice to be given prior to a period of leave, and what that notice might look like. Finally it seeks views on the evidence to be asked for of an employee's right to take parental bereavement leave and pay.
This article is taken from HR Law - April 2018.
