The Bereaved Parental Leave and Pay Bill - Third reading of the bill

The Bill aims to ensure bereaved partners have time, support and security when their partner dies during childbirth. It seeks to address a small but significant issue by extending paternity leave rights to cover more people and provide additional support through 'keep in touch' days.

The Bill will ensure individuals who lose their partner during childbirth have a day one right to leave. The impact is significant for those affected, though the number of cases will be low. Cross-party support highlights the non-political nature of this measure.

Ms. Britcliffe congratulates Chris Elmore and Darren Henry for bringing this Bill to the Chamber, highlighting the importance of supporting families in tragic circumstances. She emphasises her own campaigning efforts for women's support during pregnancy, citing a constituent’s experience with hyperemesis gravidarum leading to suicide. The Bill is seen as crucial despite its limited impact due to the low frequency of such tragedies.

Mr. Brereton commends Chris Elmore for progressing his Bill and highlights its cross-party support. He stresses the emotional impact of losing a mother during childbirth and advocates for paternity leave rights as a day one entitlement, regardless of employment status or continuity. The changes refocusing on paternity leave rather than shared parental leave are seen as sensible to ensure more families can benefit.

Mr. Madders expresses his support for the Bill, acknowledging Chris Elmore's efforts in steering it through Parliament with government cooperation. He highlights the importance of making paternity leave a day one right, regardless of employment continuity tests. This ensures that even those who do not meet typical eligibility criteria are entitled to bereavement leave and pay. The Bill aims to address complexities in current parental leave provisions and protect vulnerable families.

Expressed gratitude to Chris Elmore for bringing forward the Bill and acknowledged the cross-party support. Emphasised that there should be no politics in bereavement. Discussed the lack of day one leave entitlement for employed fathers and partners, highlighting the need for statutory leave when a mother dies within the first year after childbirth. Argued that compassion from employers cannot be relied upon consistently, thus a statutory entitlement is necessary. Suggested that while paid leave should meet continuity of service requirements, the measure will apply to fewer than 100 individuals annually and aims to ensure parents have support during devastating periods.

Interjected briefly to express agreement with Kevin Hollinrake's point about private Members’ Bills supporting employment rights. Suggested that it is important to support people going through fertility treatment by providing paid time off work.

Mr Nigel Evans congratulated Mr Chris Elmore and expressed sincere best wishes and thanks to Aaron and Tim, recognising their significant contributions.