Parental bereavement leave policy template
Our Parental Bereavement Leave Policy Template offers compassionate support, helping employees cope with loss while maintaining work-life balance.
- 2 pages / 583 words.
- Last updated 27/07/2023.
- Designed for United Kingdom use.
- Suitable for use in other territories; check local laws first.
- Instantly download as Word / PDF / plain text, or send by email.
- Includes 12 months’ access, with all updates to this page provided free of charge and notified to you.
Parental bereavement leave policy
1 Overview
1.1 Our commitment to helping grieving parents by enabling them to take parental bereavement leave is outlined in this policy.
2 Scope
2.1 Employees of [Company] who experience the death of a child under the age of 18 or a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy are covered by the policy.
3 General principles
3.1 We acknowledge that while grieving is never easy, losing a child is one of the most traumatic experiences a person can ever go through.
3.1 Who is eligible for parental bereavement leave?
3.1.1 Whatever your length of service, you can take this type of leave if you are the parent of the child who has passed away, or the partner of the child's parent, or have parental responsibility for the child.
3.2 What leave a bereaved parent can take
3.2.1 You can take two weeks of parental bereavement leave, either as a single block of two weeks or two separate blocks of one week at different times.
3.2.2 You can take the leave at the time(s) you choose within the 56 weeks after your bereavement.
3.3 Notice to take parental bereavement leave
If you
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A parental bereavement leave policy is a set of guidelines and procedures that an employer has in place to manage employee entitlement to time off work following the death of a child or a stillbirth.
The parental bereavement leave policy outlines the amount of time an employee is entitled to take off work, the eligibility criteria for the entitlement, and any other conditions for taking leave. The policy may also specify the pay and benefits an employee is entitled to during the leave period.
The purpose of a parental bereavement leave policy is to provide support and flexibility for employees who are dealing with the difficult and distressing circumstances of the death of a child or stillbirth. By having a clear policy in place, employers can ensure that employees are aware of their entitlements and obligations and can manage staffing levels and plan for any necessary cover or arrangements during an employee's absence.
Send to appropriate internal recipients such as employees, workers, contractors etc. and request confirmation that is has been read and understood.
Issue during onboarding / after changes / planned refresher.
Compliance
Compliance
This Parental bereavement leave policy template incorporates relevant UK laws and HR standards, including those listed below:
Employees who have worked for their employer for at least 26 weeks are entitled to take up to two weeks of parental bereavement leave in the event of the death of a child or a stillbirth. The leave can be taken in a single block or as two separate blocks of one week, and can be taken within 56 weeks of the child's death.
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Parental Bereavement Leave Regulations 2020: Provides eligible employees with the right to take statutory leave following the death of a child.
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Employment Rights Act 1996: Outlines employees' rights to time off for dependents, which can be applicable in cases of bereavement.
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Equality Act 2010: Ensures fair treatment and prohibits discrimination concerning bereavement leave.
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Flexible Working Regulations 2014: Allows employees to request flexible working arrangements, accommodating bereavement needs.
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Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Regulations 1982: May apply to employees taking time off due to bereavement-related health issues.
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Human Rights Act 1998: Protects employees' right to private and family life, encompassing the need for bereavement support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use this template in my small business?
Yes. The Parental bereavement leave policy template is designed to be flexible and suitable for organisations of all sizes, including small businesses and charities. It follows UK employment law best practice, so even if you don't have an in-house HR team, you can confidently apply it.
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Is this template compliant with 2025 UK employment law?
Absolutely. All of our templates are drafted with the latest ACAS guidance and UK employment legislation in mind. We review and update them regularly, so you can be confident they remain compliant.
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Can I customise it for my organisation?
Yes, we highlight the areas that you need to update with your own details, and where you need to make decisions to suit your situation. This saves you time and ensures that you meet best practice.
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Do I get instant access?
Yes. Once purchased, you'll be able to download it instantly. Templates are provided in editable Word or Excel format so you can customise them easily, and in PDF format for easy sharing.
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What if I need more help, not just this template?
If you're looking for broader support, we also offer toolkits and library bundles that include this template, along with other HR templates and policies for fully managing your situation. These may be more cost-effective if you need deeper advice.
