With the new Jack’s Law set to be introduced in April 2020 regarding paid time-off for bereavement, here is what it means for employers if the unthinkable happens.
Senior solicitor, Rafia Ahmad, explains further…
Historically, there is no statutory right to bereavement leave although most employers are often sympathetic to the needs of an employee when a death in the family arises, particularly when it comes to children.
It, therefore, makes sense for the government to enshrine this type of leave in law by way of the Parental Bereavement Leave Regulations 2020. This implements two weeks’ paid bereavement leave for parents upon the death of a child aged under 18.
From 6 April 2020, UK parents will be allowed to take either one- or two-weeks’ paid leave (the two weeks can be separate). The leave is paid at the lower of £151.20 per week or 90% of salary. The notice provisions are onerous, unfortunately, but can be found in detail HERE.
The Regulations will be welcome news for employees when they will be under the most difficult of circumstances.