I CONTINUE TO CALL FOR STATUTORY PAID BEREAVEMENT LEAVE IN UPCOMING BUDGET

Yesterday I repeated my calls to the Chancellor to include statutory paid bereavement leave in his upcoming budget.

The decision as to whether those who lose close family members have any paid bereavement leave is currently entirely at the discretion of employers, with the lowest paid least likely to benefit from this. Grief is estimated to cost the UK economy at least £23 billion per year and the Treasury nearly £8 billion per year. It is time that the trauma caused by grief is recognised in law. Following a close bereavement, we all need time and space to grieve, without financial pressures. This should be a statutory benefit, not left to the goodwill of employers.

The loss of life inflicted by Covid19 has thrown this issue into stark relief and it is time for the UK Government to support this measure.

Watch the exchange below.