New bereavement and pregnancy rules to be introduced for UK workers
Businesses and workers are being asked to share their views on how employment reforms, including bereavement leave and enhanced dismissal protections for pregnant women and new mothers, should work in practice.
housands of pregnant women and new mothers face significant risks to their job security – research has found up to 54,000 mothers a year may be dismissed, made redundant or treated so poorly at work they have felt they have to leave.
New legislation will make it unlawful to dismiss pregnant women, those on maternity leave, and mothers returning to work for at least six months, except in specific circumstances. The consultation, which launched on Thursday (23 October), will seek views on how this should work in practice.
Reforms will also be introduced to ensure workers have a right to time away from work to grieve – including those who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
The loss of a loved one is a deeply personal experience that impacts everyone differently. In some cases, people may need to take time and space away from work to grieve; while in other cases, people may prefer to continue working as normal, government said.
There will also be the chance for stakeholders to feed in views on a new duty for workers to be informed by their employers of their right to join a trade union, as well as on the new framework that allows trade unions to request access to a workplace.
“No family should ever be denied the time and space to grieve – and no mother should face penalties at work for choosing to have children,” said Employment Rights Minister Kate Dearden.
“I know brilliant businesses and unions across the country will welcome the chance to give their views on these reforms – those who know that happy, well-paid and loyal staff are at the heart of building successful companies, driving growth that benefits all.”
