Working parents dealing with the extreme distress of losing a child will now be entitled to two weeks' statutory paid leave following the passing of the new Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Bill.

Welcoming the passing of the Bill, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: "I am pleased the Assembly has been able to reach a consensus and ensure this important legislation has now passed its final stage.

"Following the introduction of parental bereavement leave and pay in Great Britain, my predecessor Diane Dodds made it her priority to secure an extension of this critical support for parents in Northern Ireland. I share that priority and am pleased I have been able to secure Assembly passage in this mandate. This new employment right will be introduced following Royal Assent and will align provision here with the rest of the United Kingdom. It will provide an important statutory safety net for working parents who suffer such a profound loss. No one should have to worry about losing their job or having to return to work while starting to grieve the loss of a child.

"I also welcome that the Assembly has passed the ground-breaking legislation that will in due course extend similar statutory support to working parents who suffer a miscarriage. It is important we recognise that the loss of a child in the womb is still a horrendous experience and we want to provide support where possible. Northern Ireland will now be the first jurisdiction in Europe, and one of only a handful across the world, to have legislated for miscarriage employment rights in such a comprehensive fashion. Following a full public consultation, my Department will draw up detailed miscarriage leave and pay regulations, with an introduction date following shortly after.”