MP welcomes Parental Bereavement provisions

Carla Lockhart MP • February 14, 2022

Local Member of Parliament Carla Lockhart has said the legal provision for leave and pay for bereaved parents passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly is long overdue, adding that the inclusion of loss by stillbirth or miscarriage is a positive step in recognising the pain felt at such a loss.

Carla Lockhart said:


“The loss of a child is a trauma that no family should face, but sadly many in our community do face such tragedy.


Until now there has been no statutory requirement upon employers to offer leave or pay to those who have faced this terrible situation. Many employers have done the right thing is such circumstances, but others have not. 


Now, thanks to new legislation, there is a legal requirement to provide two weeks leave following the death of a child aged 18 or under. This will also include those who lose a child through still-birth or miscarriage, which is a very welcome recognition of the tragedy of loss in these circumstances.


I want to pay tribute to my colleague Diane Dodds MLA, who initially brought this legislation forward when Minister of the Economy, and to Gordon Lyons MLA for guiding this Bill into law. 


This will be a great comfort to many families who unfortunately will face this hugely challenging time in their lives. It is the right and compassionate thing to do and is very welcome indeed.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled Early Day Motion 2028 in the House of Commons, calling on the Government to reject any proposals to introduce mandatory digital identification (ID) cards across the United Kingdom.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strength and determination of those living with Parkinson’s following her attendance as guest speaker at the County Armagh Parkinson’s Group.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strong sense of community across the area following a busy Saturday spent visiting local events in support of two fantastic causes.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the pupils, staff, and community of Hart Memorial Primary School, Portadown, following a special 90th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving held in St Columba’s Church, Portadown.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a series of decisive steps announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA to tackle the growing impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across Northern Ireland, including here in Upper Bann.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed news that three local bands have been awarded a total of £26,514 under the Department for Communities’ Funding for Marching Bands Scheme. 
By Carla Lockhart MP October 21, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has once again voiced her strong support for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, standing with women from across the United Kingdom who continue to seek justice after being unfairly impacted by changes to the State Pension age.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 19, 2025
New Title
By Carla Lockhart MP October 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was honoured to join the McKeever family from Long Meadow Farm, during this week’s Royal visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 15, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed deep concern following confirmation that an invasive Asian Hornet was discovered recently in the Dundonald area.