Businesses and workers across the UK are being urged to share their views on how new employment reforms – including enhanced maternity protections and bereavement leave entitlements – should work in practice.
The consultation, launched today (23 October), forms part of the government’s Make Work Pay plan, aimed at modernising employment rights and extending the kind of workplace protections already offered by leading UK employers to millions more workers.
Under the proposals, it will become unlawful to dismiss pregnant women, new mothers, or those returning from maternity leave for at least six months, except in limited circumstances. Research shows that up to 54,000 mothers each year are dismissed, made redundant or feel forced to leave their jobs due to poor treatment.
“Many, many businesses already ensure their employees have security and dignity at work. That is particularly important in the precious early days of having children or, at the other end of the spectrum, if they experience tragedy and grief,” Business Secretary Peter Kyle said.
“We’re committed to working in full partnership with businesses and unions to get the detail right on these reforms, because strong employment rights and a growing economy go hand in hand.”
The consultation will also explore how new bereavement leave rights could apply to workers experiencing the loss of a loved one – including those who suffer pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
The plans will also introduce a new duty for employers to inform staff of their right to join a trade union, and outline a framework for trade unions to request access to workplaces.
Last week, convenience retailer Co-op doubled the amount of paid leave available to colleagues affected by pregnancy loss, underlining the growing role of retailers in supporting colleagues through bereavement and loss.