COUNCIL employees who suffer a miscarriage will now get paid leave under new support agreed on Thursday, September 1.

Previously, paid support only covered employees who had lost their baby to stillbirth – legally defined after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

This support, under current UK legislation, provides two weeks of statutory parental bereavement leave.

Now, Glasgow City Council (GCC) has confirmed that changes to the current parental bereavement arrangements at the City Administration Committee mean employees who have miscarried will be entitled to the same paid leave.

The updated arrangements now mean staff will be able to have time to grieve without having to rely on annual leave, sick pay or unpaid leave if they feel unable to return to work after their loss.

Miscarriage is recognised as the most common type of pregnancy loss, affecting one in four known pregnancies.

It is a devastating time for women and men who need to deal with such a tragic situation.

A spokesperson for GCC added that employees should be able to deal with grief without the additional worry of their finances and employment.

Additionally, the recommendations agreed at the City Administration Committee recognise the wrap-around support, care, and, compassion needed to meet council staff’s individual needs.

Councillor Allan Casey, City Convenor for workforce, said: “I hope the decision today shows our commitment to the health and wellbeing of our employees and respects and acknowledges an extremely personal life event that often people still find hard to talk about.

“Any pregnancy loss can cause unimaginable grief and sadness and affects as many as one in four women.

"But having additional time and support to grieve without any potential financial burden or worry about your job will hopefully be some comfort during a very difficult time.

“Glasgow is now joining two other local authorities and 120 organisations across the UK who have signed up to The Miscarriage Association’s workplace pregnancy loss pledge and demonstrating their commitment to support employees following a miscarriage.”

The new policy has been welcomed and commended by the Miscarriage Association for enhancing the current provision ahead of any change to legislation.

Vicki Robinson, Deputy Director of the Miscarriage Association, said: “We very much welcome Glasgow City Council’s commitment to supporting its employees at what can be a very difficult, distressing, and lonely time.

“By extending Parental Bereavement Leave to staff experiencing a loss before 24 weeks, it not only gives women and their partners a period of paid leave, it’s also a clear acknowledgment that pregnancy loss can be felt as a bereavement, just like any other.

“Signing our Pregnancy Loss Pledge goes a step further still, and commits to not only offering leave but providing thoughtful and considerate support to staff, both while they are on leave and on their return to work. We know this approach can make a real difference to people who may be experiencing one of the worst times of their lives.”

The Miscarriage Association provides free information and support to those affected by pregnancy loss.

This can be accessed through its helpline, live chat, and email service – it also has a Glasgow support group that meets online each month.