Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has welcomed the passing of a new law in the Assembly which will entitle workers to paid leave following the death of a child, a stillbirth, or miscarriage.
Mr O’Dowd said:
‘The Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay bill has passed its final stage in the Assembly and will now become law.
“This legislation will help workers who face the devastation of losing a child, suffering a stillbirth or miscarriage. It will ensure they will get paid leave and have compassionate support from their employers under these awful circumstances.
“I am particularly pleased that this bill will ensure workers suffering miscarriage are included and that workers will be entitled to paid leave from the day they start work.
“I along with other members of the Economy Committee in the Assembly helped shape this legislation and the north is now leading the way in these islands and indeed in Europe in ensuring workers are entitled to paid leave after suffering miscarriage.”
“This benefit is one which no parent ever wants to be in a position to claim but we have to ensure that workers and families are looked after in the saddest of times.
ENDS.
CLANRYE NEWS 