Bereavement leave (or compassionate leave) is a type of time off given to employees when a member of their immediate family dies. Having a bereavement policy available can help managers guide employees through the process. Managing bereavement can be a sensitive issue and employees should be given time to grieve and complete the funeral and legal tasks.
The Employment Rights Act 1996 states, UK employers are obligated to give employees an unpaid “reasonable” number of days off following the death of a family member, or dependent. The recent introduction of the Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Act will give all employed parents a day-one right to 2 weeks’ leave if they lose a child under the age of 18, or suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy.
If you would like Atoll HR’s support to create a policy please contact us.