The National Health Service (NHS) in England has implemented a new policy that allows any of its employees who experience a miscarriage before the 24th week of pregnancy to take 10 days of paid leave. Partners of employees can take five days of paid leave in such a situation. The NHS recognizes that employees who suffer from a miscarriage after six months of pregnancy will be entitled to paid maternity leave. NHS Wales has acknowledged the new policy and is considering implementing something similar for its employees.
UK laws have no provisions for maternity or parental-bereavement leave for women who miscarry before completing 24 weeks of pregnancy. Many large companies, including supermarket chains Tesco and Lidl, as well as department store John Lewis and banking giant Santander, offer paid maternity or bereavement leave to their employees in such situations. Some employees may opt for compassionate leave or sick pay during this time, at their employer’s discretion.
The new policy by NHS England regarding pregnancy and baby loss will encourage trusts to offer paid time off for employees to visit clinics, have scans and tests, and consult with mental health professionals. Trusts will also provide specialized support to employees after a miscarriage. A Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Hospital Trust trial of the policy resulted in employees being twice as likely to remain with the organization following a miscarriage.
According to the UK’s Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), nearly one in four employees who experience a miscarriage or the loss of a baby depart from their jobs after an inadequate response from their employer. Women’s Health Strategy Minister Maria Caulfield applauds the NHS for demonstrating compassion, understanding, and the right to grieve for employees who experience a miscarriage. Kath Abrahams of the baby loss and pregnancy research charity Tommy’s praised the NHS for being the UK’s most extensive employer and highlighting that support is available to employees who have been through such an experience
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More