Jessica BirdGMB Union is rolling out a charter that says miscarriages and termination for medical reasons before the 24th week of pregnancy must result in paid parental bereavement leave.
The Pregnancy Loss Charter stipulates employers should provide a minimum of one month’s paid leave for the pregnant person and two weeks for partners or prospective co-parents.
The Charter is being rolled out during Baby Loss Awareness week this week.
It also includes inclusive support, training for management, confidentiality and access to specialised services.
It also highlighted that some people are more likely to lose pregnancies – including black women, who experience a much higher rate of miscarriage.
Current legislation provides a statutory right to leave for all employed parents if they lose a child under the age of 18, or have a stillbirth from the 24th week of pregnancy, but there is no statutory provision for loss before 24 weeks.
Beverly Gunning, a London council worker who went through pregnancy loss, said: “This charter is much-needed and long overdue.
“You need so much support when you lose a baby, you don’t know who to turn to, you need help from your workplace.
“I lost a twin and I get reminded of that every day.
“As a black, single mother this experience was even harder”
“I couldn’t go back to work, I just couldn’t.
“This charter can provide better opportunities and support for people who suffered what I went through.”
