The law will be known as 'Jack's Law,' in memory of Jack Herd, whose mother Lucy has been campaigning on the issue since her 23-month-old son Jack drowned in a pond in 2010.
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A new law will give working parents who suffer the loss of a child under the age of 18 two weeks’ statutory paid leave from work, the government has announced.
Coming into force in April, the law will be “the most generous offer” on parental bereavement pay and leave in the world.
The law will be known as ‘Jack’s Law,’ in memory of Jack Herd, whose mother Lucy has been campaigning on the issue since her 23-month-old son Jack drowned in a pond in 2010.
At the time, the law only allowed Lucy three days off to grieve, one of which had to be the funeral.
Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “There can be few worse experiences in life than the loss of a child and I am proud that this Government is delivering Jack’s Law, making us the first country in the word to do so.
“When it takes effect, Jack’s Law will be a fitting testament to the tireless efforts of Lucy Herd, alongside many charities, to give parents greater support.”
Lucy Herd said: “Knowing that nearly 10 years of campaigning has helped create Jack’s Law is the most wonderful feeling, but it is bittersweet at the same time.”
Parents will be able to take the leave as either a single block of two weeks, or as two separate blocks of one week each taken at different times across the first year after their child’s death.
Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said: “Labour has supported the proposal for parental bereavement leave from its inception, and we welcome this announcement.
“As set out in our Workers’ Rights Manifesto, Labour is calling for bereavement leave for those who have lost a close family member.”
Submitted Article
HeadlineJack's Law: legal right to paid parental bereavement leave announced
Short HeadlineParent's gain legal right to paid parental bereavment leave
StandfirstParents who suffer the loss of a child under the age of 18 will be entitled to two weeks' statutory paid leave from work
Published Article
HeadlineMourning parents to be entitled to two weeks’ paid leave from work
Short HeadlineMourning parents to get two weeks' work leave
StandfirstComing into force in April, Jack's Law will be "the most generous offer" on parental bereavement pay and leave in the world.
‘Jack’s Law’ will give parents who suffer the loss of a child under the age of 18 two weeks’ statutory paid leave from work.
Coming into force in April, the law will be the most generous offer on parental bereavement pay and leave in the world.
The law will be known as ‘Jack’s Law,’ in memory of Jack Herd, whose mother Lucy has been campaigning on the issue since her 23-month-old son Jack drowned in a pond in 2010.
At the time, the law only allowed Lucy three days off to grieve, one of which had to be the funeral.
Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “There can be few worse experiences in life than the loss of a child and I am proud that this Government is delivering Jack’s Law, making us the first country in the word to do so.
Lucy Herd said: “Knowing that nearly 10 years of campaigning has helped create Jack’s Law is the most wonderful feeling, but it is bittersweet at the same time.”
A new law will give working parents who suffer the loss of a child under the age of 18 two weeks’ statutory paid leave from work, the government has announced.
Coming into force in April, the law will be “the most generous offer” on parental bereavement pay and leave in the world.
The law will be known as ‘Jack’s Law,’ in memory of Jack Herd, whose mother Lucy has been campaigning on the issue since her 23-month-old son Jack drowned in a pond in 2010.
At the time, the law only allowed Lucy three days off to grieve, one of which had to be the funeral.
Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom said: “There can be few worse experiences in life than the loss of a child and I am proud that this Government is delivering Jack’s Law, making us the first country in the word to do so.
“When it takes effect, Jack’s Law will be a fitting testament to the tireless efforts of Lucy Herd, alongside many charities, to give parents greater support.”
Lucy Herd said: “Knowing that nearly 10 years of campaigning has helped create Jack’s Law is the most wonderful feeling, but it is bittersweet at the same time.”
Parents will be able to take the leave as either a single block of two weeks, or as two separate blocks of one week each taken at different times across the first year after their child’s death.
Shadow business secretary Rebecca Long-Bailey said: “Labour has supported the proposal for parental bereavement leave from its inception, and we welcome this announcement.
“As set out in our Workers’ Rights Manifesto, Labour is calling for bereavement leave for those who have lost a close family member.”
