Economy Minister urges the public to have their say on paid miscarriage leave in NI

ECONOMY Minister Gordon Lyons on Monday launched a consultation process which will bring forward dedicated legislation for miscarriage leave and pay in Northern Ireland.

A two-month consultation process on the issue has now opened, with the process following on from the recent introduction of parental bereavement leave and pay legislation in the province.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Lyons said: “The loss of any pregnancy is a source of profound sorrow and grief. I believe that employment law should be compassionate and supportive of those who experience such a loss.

“Working parents who experience a still birth after the 24th week of pregnancy have a statutory entitlement to two weeks’ leave and pay.

“I believe a worker or employee who experiences a miscarriage up to the end of the 23rd week of pregnancy should have the same protections,” continued Minister Lyons.

“The public consultation being launched today seeks views on this proposal.

“The views of stakeholders and the wider public are very important and I want to make sure we take them into account as we commence the legislative process.”

Urging the public to make their views known, Minister Lyons added: “This consultation [process] is a key milestone in moving the legislative process forward.”

Have your say on the public consultation process at the Department for the Economy website; see www. economy-ni.gov.uk/miscarriage-leave-pay.