Introduce two weeks’ paid bereavement leave, MPs tell ministers

Charities, business chiefs and politicians say the government should adopt a more ‘compassionate approach’ to bereavement after the pandemic. Chiara Giordano reports

Ministers are facing calls to introduce a minimum of two weeks’ paid bereavement leave following the death of a close relative or partner. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Ministers are facing calls to introduce a minimum of two weeks’ paid bereavement leave following the death of a close relative or partner.

A coalition of MPs, business chiefs and charities have called for the measure in the face of the mounting Covid-19 death toll.

The government has so far been reluctant to introduce statutory bereavement leave.