Overview

This bill proposes to introduce a new statutory right to bereavement leave and pay for employees whose close family member has died. It aims to provide a minimum standard of support for employees during this difficult time, ensuring they can take time off to grieve without financial penalty.

Description

The Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill creates two new statutory entitlements:

Bereavement Leave:

Part 1 of the Schedule amends the Employment Rights Act 1996 to establish a right to bereavement leave. This leave will be at least two weeks and must be taken within 56 days of the family member's death. The Secretary of State will set out further details via regulations, defining "close family member," and outlining specific conditions and procedures for taking leave.

Bereavement Pay:

Part 2 amends the Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992 to create a right to bereavement pay. Eligibility depends on continuous employment for at least 26 weeks before the death, with normal weekly earnings above a specified limit. The amount and duration of the pay (minimum two weeks) will be determined through regulations made by the Secretary of State. Regulations will cover aspects such as notice requirements and how the pay relates to any existing contractual remuneration.

The bill also allows for consequential regulations to be made by the Secretary of State to address any necessary adjustments to existing legislation, subject to parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending due to the introduction of bereavement pay. The precise financial implications are not specified in the bill text and would require further analysis based on the forthcoming regulations that define the rate and eligibility criteria for bereavement pay.

Groups Affected

The bill will primarily affect:

• Employees: Those who lose a close family member will gain a statutory right to bereavement leave and pay, offering improved support and protection during bereavement.
• Employers: Employers will have a new legal obligation to provide bereavement leave and pay to eligible employees, potentially incurring additional costs.
• Government: The government will bear the cost of providing the bereavement pay scheme through increased expenditure.

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