People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin
Said Cllr Harkin: “Currently, Stormont’s bereavement policies are harsh. As it stands, there is no automatic guarantee for anyone bereaved of a child, a partner or family member to paid leave.
“It’s welcome that Stormont is moving towards implementing legislation guaranteeing parents at least two weeks statutory paid leave during this very difficult time.
“However, new legislation can and should go further. The Coalition for Bereaved Workers is urging for legislation to be extended to include two weeks paid leave for all people suffering the loss of a partner or family member.
“The Coalition for Bereaved Workers is coordinated by the Marie Curie charity and members include Action Mental Health, Alzheimer’s Society, Carers NI, CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), Cruse Bereavement Care, NIPSA and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. The Executive shouldn’t ignore this powerful coalition of voices.
“I’m calling on this week’s Derry and Strabane Council full meeting to back the Coalition for Bereaved Workers demand and to also incorporate this right to all Council workers.
“Stormont needs to update archaic workers rights legislation to make sure all everyone dealing with bereavement be afforded time to grieve without fear of losing their job or income.”
Full motion to Derry and Strabane September 30 full Council meeting:
“Council welcomes legislation at committee stage in Stormont for Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay.
“Council notes the Coalition for Bereaved Workers concern that this bill is a ‘missed opportunity’ and ‘does not go far enough’.
“Council will write to the Stormont Economy Committee to urge that they further the legislation on bereavement policy so that everyone who is bereaved of a close relative or partner is entitled to 2 weeks statutory bereavement leave and pay in line with the Coalition for Bereaved Workers campaign objectives.
“Council will also undertake a review of its own bereavement policy in conjunction with unions that seeks to establish 2 weeks statutory bereavement leave and pay for all Council workers.”
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