Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Bereavement (Leave and Pay)

29 June 2021 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Patricia Gibson SNP North Ayrshire and Arran

EmploymentBenefits & Welfare

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Patricia Gibson raised concerns about bereavement (leave and pay) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • This Bill aims to provide statutory paid bereavement leave for all employees who lose a close family member or partner.
  • It highlights the need for better support in the workplace during bereavement, citing statistics showing over 24% of UK employees have experienced a recent loss due to the ongoing health pandemic.
  • The Bill notes that statutory paid bereavement leave could reduce costs by 8 billion per year for the Treasury.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Patricia Gibson SNP North Ayrshire and Arran

This Bill aims to provide statutory paid bereavement leave for all employees who lose a close family member or partner. It highlights the need for better support in the workplace during such times, citing statistics showing that over 24% of UK employees have experienced a bereavement recently due to the ongoing health pandemic. The Bill emphasises the economic and social benefits of statutory paid bereavement leave, noting it could reduce costs by £8 billion per year for the Treasury.

Other contributors (1)
  • Patricia Gibson SNP North Ayrshire and Arran

    The Bill seeks to address the lack of statutory paid bereavement leave for employees, advocating for a level playing field regardless of an employer's discretion. It mentions that only 32% of UK employees are aware of their employers' bereavement policies and highlights the significant economic impact of grief on productivity and mental health costs.

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