We respond to the Equality at work report

In a report published last week, the House of Commons Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) called for a statutory minimum period of paid leave for all women and their partners who experience pregnancy loss prior to 24 weeks. There is currently no statutory entitlement for any protected paid bereavement leave from work following the loss of a pregnancy or baby pre-24 weeks gestation in the UK.  

We strongly welcome this call as the government continues to develop changes to employment rights via the Employment Rights Bill that is passing through parliament.  

It follows a dedicated Pregnancy Loss policy we introduced in March 2024 as part of our wider work to become more equitable, diverse and inclusive and to provide greater wellbeing support to our colleagues. 

Charli Atkinson-Ryan, Anna Freud’s Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, said:  

“It’s crucial to establish the importance of paid time off for parents who experience pregnancy and baby loss at any stage. Anna Freud has been dedicated to the mental health and wellbeing of children, young people and their families for over 70 years. We understand that pregnancy loss, whenever and however it happens, is a bereavement. Getting the right support at work is essential for the whole family’s wellbeing and we’re committed to supporting any colleagues experiencing this type of loss at any stage of pregnancy.  

“To recognise this commitment to supporting our staff and their partners, we launched a new, dedicated Pregnancy Loss Policy in 2024. This policy goes beyond the WEC calls by guaranteeing our staff two weeks of protected leave at full pay for pregnancy and baby loss prior to 24 weeks for either parent. 

“We’re proud that this progressive and supportive policy can be considered one of the cornerstones of our equity, diversity and inclusion work and the wider wellbeing support we offer colleagues. If other employers want to know more about how we developed this policy and embedded it into our organisation, please get in touch via edi@annafreud.org.”  

In addition to guaranteeing two weeks of protected leave at full pay, our policy also supports the wellbeing of all colleagues who may be affected by pregnancy and baby loss by offering paid time off to attend appointments, guidance for managers and signposting to other available support. 

Read how we’re working to make Anna Freud more equitable, diverse and inclusive in our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2022-2026