Sue Ryder, Bereavement Support

That the Parliament acknowledges the impact that the burden of grief has on the health and wellbeing of people who have lost someone close to them; notes the research carried out by the national bereavement charity, Sue Ryder, which suggests that a quarter of working age people had lost someone in the last 12 months and that many had felt under pressure to return to work; understands that grief costs the UK economy an estimated £22.9m per year due to presenteeism, absenteeism and reduced employment; believes that employers should do all they can to support staff who are bereaved; agrees with Sue Ryder that, while there might be some short-term costs associated with introducing a statutory right to two weeks bereavement leave, the longer term-benefits and cost savings would far outweigh these, and hopes the Scottish and UK governments can work together on this matter.