GMB's Pregnancy Loss Charter calls on all employers to provide a minimum of one month’s paid leave for people who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks and two weeks paid leave for partners or prospective co-parents.
The government has committed to a new right to bereavement leave for people who lose an early pregnancy, which will come into effect in the Employment Rights Act in 2027 - but this right will be unpaid. GMB's campaign provides our reps with the tools to negotiate with their employers for more - to make sure workers don't suffer from lost pay on top of their bereavement.
The charter also includes a commitment to the following:
- Inclusive Support: Acknowledging that pregnancy loss impacts workers of all genders, the charter extends its principles to partners and co-parents, promoting a culture of understanding and compassion.
- Training for Management: All managers will undergo specialized training to sensitively handle situations involving pregnancy loss, ensuring that every employee feels heard and supported.
- Confidentiality Guaranteed: Respecting the privacy of employees is paramount. Information regarding any pregnancy loss will only be shared with explicit consent.
- Access to Specialized Services: Employees will have access to Occupational Health services and counselling through the Employee Assistance Program, ensuring that both physical and mental health needs are addressed.
Download the resources here:
gmb-pregnancy-loss-charter-a4-pdf.pdf
gmb-reps-guide-to-pregnancy-loss-charter-a5-pdf.pdf