PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
Miscarriage leave in Northern Ireland (9 February 2022)

That this House congratulates the Northern Irish Assembly on passing legislation to allow paid leave for workers who have suffered a miscarriage; understands provisions to offer statutory paid leave for mothers and their partners should they experience baby loss before 24 weeks of pregnancy are contained in Article 112EF of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill; notes the Bill passed its final stage in Stormont on 7th February 2022 and is due to receive Royal Assent; appreciates that the provision for paid miscarriage leave will come into force no later than April 2026 following a public consultation; recognises that Northern Ireland will be the first place in Europe to introduce paid miscarriage leave in line with recent legislation in New Zealand and Australia; understands there are currently no specific statutory rights in the UK to allow paid leave for those who have experienced miscarriage, ectopic or molar pregnancy; and calls on the UK Government to introduce Paid Miscarriage Leave UK-wide in its proposed Employment Bill.

Sponsored by:
Angela Crawley (Scottish National Party)