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Select Committee · Women and Equalities Committee

Equality at work: miscarriage and bereavement leave

Status: Closed Opened: 29 Oct 2024 Closed: 3 Sep 2025 2 recommendations 2 conclusions 1 report

The Committee will hear evidence from charities, researchers, HR professionals, employers and trade unions about workplace support for women and their partners who experience miscarriage and pregnancy loss. This will include examining the case for extending eligibility for parental bereavement leave.

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
2nd Report - Equality at work: Miscarriage and bereavement … HC 335 15 Jan 2025 4 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

1 item
46 Conclusion 2nd Report - Equality at work: Miscarri… Not Addressed

Sick leave inadequate for miscarriage support, lacking confidentiality, dignity, and sufficient pay

conclusion Sick leave is an inappropriate and inadequate form of employer support in the aftermath of a miscarriage or pregnancy loss. It does not afford women adequate confidentiality or dignity and puts them at high risk of employment discrimination. The low rate of Statutory Sick Pay means that many women …

Government response. The government response details existing entitlements for pregnancy loss after 24 weeks (stillbirths) and general emergency leave, but does not address the conclusion that sick leave is an inappropriate and inadequate form of support for pre-24 week pregnancy loss.
Government Equalities Office

Oral evidence sessions

1 session
Date Witnesses
27 Nov 2024 Dr Jessica Farren · University College London Hospitals, Munira Oza · Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, Nicole Basra · Dentsu International, Rachel Suff · Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Rhea Wolfson · GMB Union, Thomas Simons · NHS England, Vicki Robinson · The Miscarriage Association View ↗

Correspondence

1 letter
DateDirectionTitle
8 Jan 2025 — Correspondence from the Chief HR and OD Officer and Deputy National People Dire…