Compassionate support being offered to West Dunbartonshire Council parents struggling with pregnancy loss has been praised by the MP who launched the campaign for statutory paid leave.
Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has been working on a private members bill to grant three days of statutory paid leave to parents who have experienced a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy so they can grieve.
Under current UK law, people are not granted maternity leave or pay if they have had a miscarriage.
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Ms Crawley said she was happy to see West Dunbartonshire “setting an example” to other local authorities by signing up to the Miscarriage Association’s pregnancy loss pledge. Glasgow City Council has also signed onto the pledge.
This means that employees and their partners who lose a baby from 24 weeks of pregnancy will still be entitled to maternity and paternity rights and benefits.
The scheme will further support employees who have been affected by pregnancy loss through fertility treatment by making parents eligible for paid leave if they are not able to access either Maternity or Parental Bereavement Leave.
Ms Crawley said: "I am delighted to see councils such as West Dunbartonshire setting an example by signing up to the Miscarriage Association's Pregnancy Loss Pledge.
"Last year, I wrote to every council in Scotland encouraging them to follow Fife Council's example and sign up as part of our campaign to improve support for parents who experience miscarriage so it is fantastic to see that nine more have already taken the pledge.
"For every council and public body which signs up, it sends a strong message about how we should view pregnancy loss and crucially help to end the stigma associated with miscarriage."
West Dunbartonshire Council says it recognises pregnancy loss is a very difficult time for parents and is committed to supporting its employees in line with the People First Strategy, which puts people at the heart of the organisation.
Councillor Daniel Lennie, convener of corporate services, said: “I am pleased to see this scheme approved to offer help and support at a difficult and heart-breaking time for parents. I am also pleased the Council will support those suffering pregnancy loss through fertility treatment.
“Although this is not a current legislative requirement for pregnancy loss under 24 weeks, parents will be supported by this innovative scheme with up to 5 days paid leave pro-rata with no limit to the number of times this leave can be taken to support employees at a very difficult time in their lives.”
Councillor Michelle McGinty, vice convener of corporate services, added: “The loss of a child is a very difficult and painful time for parents and it’s only right that employees are fully supported while they are grieving without having to worry about work and pay. As a mother who has experienced early pregnancy loss, I understand the difference this will make in the lives of parents who lose their baby in early pregnancy and are expected to continue on with life without their grief being acknowledged.
“A little bit of compassion goes a long way and this will make a heartbreaking time a little bit easier. I am sure this policy will bring much needed comfort and support to our workforce.”
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