Recommendation 49

HM Government Acknowledged

The report acknowledges the significant progress employers have made in recent years in recognising miscarriage as a form of bereavement. An increasing number of organisations are providing more flexible leave options, allowing employees to take bereavement leave in a way that best suits their needs, whether in a single block or in separate periods. Additionally, employees have the right to request flexible working policies, which can further support their needs during such times. Furthermore, as highlighted during the Report Stage debate, the Government fully accepts the principle of bereavement leave. We recognise how important it is for employers and employees to know what is available to them and the benefits of implementing schemes, as many good employers already have. However, as the Committee has demonstrated, more can be done to highlight the good work of employers. With that in mind, the Government will work with stakeholders such as CIPD, ACAS and TUC, to understand what can be done to help highlight this work and investigate where existing guidance can be strengthened further. Conclusion three While there have been incremental improvements in recent years, substantial gaps in employer-led provision remain. The case for a minimum standard in law is overwhelming. A period of paid bereavement leave should be available to all women and partners who experience a pre-24-week pregnancy loss. Recommendation two We intend to table amendments to the Employment Rights Bill in the name of our Chair for consideration at Report stage. The amendments are set out in annex B of this report. They seek to extend the same entitlements to statutory parental bereavement leave and pay as are currently available to parents bereaved by the loss of children and stillbirths to employees who experience pre-24-week pregnancy losses. This would include those who experience miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, in vitro fertilisation embryo transfer loss, and terminations for medical reasons. We call on the Government to support our amendments, or bring forward its own, to ensure that all those who experience the physical and emotional pain and grief of pregnancy and baby loss are able to access the support they need.