A Minister has called on Jersey employers to offer paid support to parents grieving the loss of a baby – after a local charity urged the government to extend bereavement leave to cover miscarriage.
Social Security Minister Lyndsay Feltham said she wanted to see women who experience miscarriage “well supported” and encouraged businesses to go beyond the current legal minimum by offering paid leave and compassionate policies for staff affected by baby loss.
“Although parental bereavement leave is unpaid, the Government of Jersey has a payment scheme to provide financial support to parents who are employed or self-employed for lost wages during this period,” she said.
“I would also encourage employers to consider introducing this type of provision into their workplace policies.”
Her comments come after baby loss charity Philip’s Footprints called on the Jersey government to extend legal protections for parents after a miscarriage.
This followed the UK governemnt’s announcement over the weekend that it was due to amend the Employment Rights Bill and introduce statutory bereavement leave for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks in 2027.
Following queries from Express, Philip’s Footprints founder Jo Nash said Jersey should follow suit and ensure that all forms of pregnancy loss are formally recognised in law.
“Philip’s Footprints are absolutely delighted to see the UK news regarding protected bereavement leave for pre-24 week pregnancy loss,” she said.
“The amendment to the UK Employment Rights Bill will ensure recognition of what we already know and understand – that any pregnancy loss should be supported – and will also help break down the taboo that still surrounds miscarriage.”
Jersey last year introduced two weeks of unpaid parental bereavement leave for parents who lose a child under 18, including in cases of stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy.
A Government grant was also introduced to help cover lost wages during this time and the costs of a funeral.
The founder of the Jersey-based charity added: “It has always been our hope that this would be just a starting point for our Island and that in time all pregnancy loss and grief would be recognised in Jersey.
“We [would] welcome our Government taking the next steps to bring our Employment Law in line with the UK at the very least, or to go even further, to ensure all who need support receive it.”
Asked whether Jersey would consider introducing protections for early pregnancy loss similar to those announced in the UK, Social Security Minister Deputy Lyndsay Feltham commented: “Statutory bereavement leave, which includes stillbirth from 24 weeks, has been part of Jersey’s Employment law since March 2024. This was an important first step in supporting parents during this difficult time.”
“The law will continue to be reviewed by the Women’s Health Advisory Group, and we will monitor the developments in the UK to ensure that appropriate support is available in Jersey,” she added.