NASUWT welcomes call for paid miscarriage leave ahead of 24 weeks

NASUWT welcomes MPs’ support for statutory paid leave for miscarriage, urging the Government to back amendments to the Employment Rights Bill.
1 min read

NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union has praised a recommendation by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee to introduce a statutory minimum period of paid leave for women and their partners who experience miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The Union expressed its support for the committee’s intent to table amendments to the Government’s Employment Rights Bill to address the issue. At its 2024 Annual Conference, NASUWT members called for miscarriage to be included within statutory maternity, paternity, and parental bereavement rights, ensuring workers have a right to paid time off during such a traumatic experience.

Dr Patrick Roach, NASUWT general secretary, said: “It is a really welcome development that this influential cross-party group of MPs are behind a change to the law. We hope Ministers will accept any amendments that seek to bring the law into line with the existing provision for those who lose a baby after 24 weeks.”

Dr Roach highlighted the current challenges workers face under the existing law, stating, “Workers experiencing the trauma of miscarriage have to rely on the goodwill of their employer if they need time off after experiencing a miscarriage. Those experiencing miscarriage should not have their grief compounded by having to go cap in hand to their employer or worrying about whether they can afford time off.”

He emphasised the importance of legislative change, adding, “In a compassionate society, paid miscarriage leave should be a statutory right for all workers in all sectors. NASUWT believes every teacher who experiences pregnancy loss should be given the time and space they need to deal with their loss and bereavement and recover and recuperate.”

The Union is urging the Government to back the proposed amendments to ensure fair treatment and support for workers during such difficult times.

Ryan Fowler

Ryan Fowler is Publisher of Workplace Journal

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