New workers’ rights supporting bereaving parents in the death of a child
A new law will come into force in April for parents who lose a child under the age of 18. Parents will now be entitled to two weeks of statutory paid parental bereavement leave from work following the death of a child.
Jacks Law is in memory of Jack Herd, who sadly passed away after falling into a pond in 2010. Jack’s mother, Lucy has campaigned for better parental bereavement leave after she found that the law only allowed Jacks father three days off work to grieve, one of which had to be used for the funeral itself.
This new legal right due to be enforced in April, will be the most generous parental bereavement pay and leave in the world.
Lucy Herd stated:
In the aftermath of a child’s death, parents have to cope with their own loss, the grief of wider family, including other children, as well as a vast amount of administrative paperwork and arrangements.
A sudden or accidental death may require a post-mortem or inquest, there’s a funeral to arrange and there are many organisations to contact, from schools to benefit offices.
When I began this campaign after the death of my son Jack, I hoped a positive change would happen in his memory. Knowing that nearly 10 years of campaigning has helped create Jack’s Law is the most wonderful feeling, but it is bittersweet.
Now, parents will be entitled to take two weeks leave at any point during the first year after their child’s death.
Susan Clews, Chief Executive at ACAS, states:
This legal right will allow eligible working parents paid time off to help them grieve and will help employers who manage staff that are experiencing the distressing loss of a loved one.
If you require any more information, contact us on 0113 284 5000 or alternatively email yunus.lunat@isonharrison.co.uk.
