Publications

NIHRC's response to the Committee for the Economy's consultation on the Parental Bereavement Bill

Date Produced August 2021

Below is a summary of our recommendations/messages

You can also download the full document through the links provided

• The Commission recommends the Committee suggest the Department develop guidance for employers when the Bill becomes legislation.
• The Commission recommends the Committee take into consideration the views of relevant stakeholders to explore ways in which the Department can offer better protections for NI.
• The Commission recommends the Committee suggest that the Department should continue to monitor any developments in EU law relating to the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill and resulting Regulations to ensure compliance with Article 2 of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol.
• The Commission recommends that the commitment to change the period of time leave can be taken from 56 days to 56 weeks is upheld.
• The Commission recommends that the definition of a parent is broad and open to interpretation to ensure a wide inclusion of those with a relationship to the child.
• The Commission recommends the Committee advises the Department to conduct a human rights impact assessment to consider any interference with Article 8 and Article 14 ECHR. As well as compliance with international human rights standards and recommendations of the UN ICESCR and UN CEDAW Committees as referenced in the Human Rights Act.
• The Commission recommends the Committee consider other countries’ approach to parental bereavement leave, particularly in relation to miscarriage and stillbirth, including New Zealand’s inclusion of bereavement through miscarriage, as well as relevant civil society organisations’ recommendations on the inclusion of miscarriage within parental bereavement leave.