Potential merits of statutory bereavement leave

That this House supports the introduction of statutory bereavement leave for those who suffer the loss of an immediate family member; recognises that bereavement has a tremendous impact on physical and mental health; acknowledges that while many employers voluntarily offer compassionate leave for staff who have lost a close relative, this decision remains entirely at the discretion of employers; notes that concerns about the introduction of statutory bereavement leave on economic grounds are unfounded, with new research commissioned by Sue Ryder revealing that the cost of bereavement to the UK economy is an estimated £22.9bn a year, due to presenteeism, absenteeism and reduced employment; understands that if just a fraction of the costs associated with bereavement could be mitigated through better support by employers it would provide a considerable boost to the economy; agrees that although statutory bereavement leave will incur some short term costs, ultimately it would lead to significant savings for the UK economy through reduced staff absence, higher employee productivity and less reliance on health and welfare support post-bereavement; welcomes the UK Government’s recent introduction of two weeks statutory bereavement leave for parents who have lost a child under the age of 18 years old which recognises the impact of grief and the need for statutory protections; and calls on the UK Government to build on this progress and introduce statutory paid bereavement leave of two weeks for those who have suffered the loss of an immediate family member.