September 25, 2018
At present, the granting of compassionate leave on the death of a close family member is entirely at an employers’ discretion, and there is no legal right to compassionate leave (although many employers will grant at least some leave in practice).
However, the new Act provides a statutory right to a minimum of 2 weeks’ leave from work for all employees, irrespective of their length of service, who have lost a child under the age of 18 or suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy. Employees will also be protected from redundancy and dismissal as a result of taking parental bereavement leave.
The move follows increasing calls over the last few years for bereaved parents to be given more protection in employment law.
Parental bereavement leave will not affect any existing rights to leave or pay, such as parental leave or maternity pay. However, employees will also be able to claim statutory parental bereavement pay for this period, subject to certain eligibility criteria.
Further detail will appear in supporting regulations and the Government anticipates that the Act will be fully in force by April 2020.
I have worked with Darwin Gray for a number of years and the level of service, professionalism and timely response is second to none. I would highly recommend Darwin Gray to any business.”
Darwin Gray have provided us with a first-class service for many years now. They really take the time to understand our business and develop relationships which results in advice and support that is contextualised and effective.”
We have worked with Darwin Gray for several years and have always found their services and advice to be first class.”
An extremely professional and sincere company who make time for your queries and understand the need to break down certain facts and information to ensure everything is understood perfectly. I would highly recommend the company to anyone looking for any type of legal advice”
PSS has worked with Darwin Gray for many years. We have always received an excellent service. Prompt and professional advice and support.”
We have used several departments within DG recently and we have been very pleased with an effective, efficient and down to earth service. Very happy thus far and I expect that we will continue to use DG.”
Darwin Gray offer us truly superb services. Very professional, quick and services available bilingually which is very important to us, highly recommend.”
My “go to” in urgent and time sensitive cases for direction, support and advice. The team are quick to respond to calls or emails for advice and support on all matters. Always explain complex matters in a way a lay person can easily understand.”
