NASUWT – The Teachers' Union has today welcomed
a call by the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee for
a statutory minimum period of paid leave for all women and their
partners who experience miscarriage prior to 24 weeks of
pregnancy.
The Union is pleased that the influential group of MPs have
indicated they are looking to table amendments to the
Government's Employment Rights Bill to change the law.
At its 2024 Annual Conference, NASUWT members passed a motion
calling for miscarriage to be included within statutory
maternity, paternity and parental bereavements rights so that
workers experiencing the trauma of miscarriage have the right to
paid time off.
NASUWT General Secretary Dr Patrick Roach, said:
“It is a really welcome development that this influential
cross-party group of MPs are behind a change to the law. We hope
Ministers will accept any amendments that seek to bring the law
into line with the existing provision for those who lose a baby
after 24 weeks.
“Under the present law workers experiencing the trauma of
miscarriage have to rely on the goodwill of their employer if
they need time off after experiencing a miscarriage.
“Those experiencing miscarriage should not have their grief
compounded by having to go cap in hand to their employer or
worrying about whether they can afford time off.
“In a compassionate society, paid miscarriage leave should be a
statutory right for all workers in all sectors.
“NASUWT believes every teacher who experiences pregnancy loss
should be given the time and space they need to deal with their
loss and bereavement and recover and recuperate.”
