Council bosses at West Dunbartonshire have confirmed they have signed up to a pledge to introduce paid leave for parents who miscarry before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
The local authority says it takes its duty of care to all staff seriously and is also actively working with trade unions to develop a pregnancy loss policy within the council that will ensure the appropriate support is available.
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It comes following a campaign launched by SNP MP for Lanark and Hamilton East wants to introduce paid leave for families who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks across all 32 Scottish local authorities.
Last week Ms Crawley wrote to the leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, councillor Jonathon McColl and the CEO Joyce White asking them to support the pledge which aims to improve support for parents who experience a miscarriage.
It also promotes encouraging work environments where employers show empathy and understanding towards people and their partners experiencing pregnancy loss.
Speaking about the campaign, a spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “We take our duty of care to our staff seriously and, therefore, are happy to confirm that we have signed up to the Pregnancy Loss Pledge.
“We are also actively working with trade unions to develop a ‘Pregnancy Loss Policy’ to ensure appropriate supports are available.”
Last week Glasgow City Council also said it was looking to “enhance the support” it provides to staff and parents dealing with grief by signing the Miscarriage Association’s Pregnancy Loss Pledge.
Commenting on the movement so far Lanark and Hamilton East MP Ms Crawley added: “I have been campaigning to have support for parents who experience miscarriage improved so that people are not forced to take sick or unpaid leave to be able to grieve.
“By signing up and following the example set by Fife Council, West Dunbartonshire Council will enhance their current policies for staff who experience bereavement.
“The more employers who commit to the Pregnancy Loss Pledge, the quicker we can finally end the stigma associated with miscarriage and ensure parents are properly supported.”
