Angela Crawley, a member of the SNP, is requesting paid bereavement leave so that parents can “process their sorrow” without being financially penalized. But she claims that some Tories are resisting her plan.
A push is currently underway to institute paid leave for parents who experience a miscarriage.
Angela Crawley, an SNP representative, has introduced a private member’s bill that would offer three days of paid leave to parents who endure a miscarriage within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy.
And she has called on fellow MPs to endorse her.
One in four pregnancies is predicted to terminate in miscarriage. Yet paid bereavement leave is only granted after 24 weeks for stillbirths.
The bill unanimously passed its first Westminster reading in July. But Lanark and Hamilton East MP Ms. Crawley said it was talked out by Conservative MPs before its second reading.
A petition was signed by 40,000 individuals in support of the bill and Ms. Crawley claimed it had gained backing from all parties.
The Scottish government grants paid leave to employees of the public sector who have had a miscarriage.
Ms. Crawley stated, “My bill has the support of every party in the House of Commons. It now requires the backing of the UK government.
Grieving parents ‘deserve support’
She claimed she was pushing Tory ministers “to do the right thing”.
“Parents who endure a miscarriage or stillbirth at any stage of their pregnancy deserve enough support. And the time they may need to grieve and process their loss, without having to worry about a financial impact or taking annual leave.
“The SNP Scottish government has already taken this action where it has authority. It grants three days’ paid leave for parents working in the public sector who suffer miscarriage before 24 weeks.
However, because Westminster retains jurisdiction over employment law, it cannot be implemented statewide without UK legislation.
“Private sector workers in Scotland should not have to wait for Westminster to act. It must support my bill or devolve the authorities to Scotland for this wonderful transformation to occur.”
A miscarriage is “a highly individual event.”
“The government recognizes that losing a child at any age is tremendously distressing. And we expect employers to respond with compassion and understanding,” said a government official.
“Miscarriage is a highly individual experience, and some of those affected may wish to stay at home. While others may desire to continue working or may require time off later.
“The government thinks that individuals are in the best position to understand their requirements. And that competent employers would respond with sensitivity to requests made by employees.”
