Losing a child is one of the most painful experiences any person can go through. From 6 April 2020 the government has introduced minimum paid parental bereavement leave for parents who find themselves in this devastating situation. What leave and pay are the parents entitled to?
All eligible parents will have the right to:
- Two weeks’ statutory parental bereavement leave if they are an employee
- Two weeks’ statutory parental bereavement pay if they are an employee or worker.
The right will apply to:
- Any biological parent
- Adoptive parent or
- Partner of the child’s parent if they lived in an enduring family relationship
if the child dies whilst under the age of 18 or is stillborn after 24 weeks’ pregnancy.
The parent must have been employed for at least 26 weeks on the Saturday before the child’s death and must earn at least £120 per week before tax.
Statutory bereavement leave can be taken at any time in the 56 weeks following the child’s death.
Statutory bereavement pay is paid at the rate of £151.20 a week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
Employers are of course able to offer an enhanced package of support to bereaved parents and many employers do so. This scheme does, though, provide a baseline for all employees who suffer such a terrible loss.
If you have any questions or would like further information about parental bereavement leave or pay please contact our Employment Team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.