Menu
13/03/2024
Assembly Agrees Support For Miscarriage Leave In NI
The Assembly has agreed to support the extension of miscarriage leave for workers in NI.
DUP Economy Spokesperson, Phillip Brett, brought an amendment to a Sinn Féin motion, which was agreed by the Assembly on Tuesday, 12 March.
Welcoming the support, the North Belfast MLA said: "Whilst this Sinn Fein motion was focused on workers' rights it did not address the important issue of leave for parents who experience a miscarriage.
"The loss of any pregnancy is a source of profound sorrow and grief. I believe that employment law should take account of this.
"This is an area where the DUP took action previously, with Gordon Lyons as the then Economy Minister launching a consultation on the issue in October 2022.
"Working parents who experience a still birth after the 24th week of pregnancy have a statutory entitlement to two weeks' leave and pay. I believe a worker or employee who experiences a miscarriage up to the end of the 23rd week of pregnancy should have the same protections. Northern Ireland could be the first region of the United Kingdom to introduce such a measure.
"I was delighted that the House accepted our amendment today.
"It is important that we see action to build upon the foundations that were laid in this area by the previous Minister and put in place practical measures which can demonstrate compassion and support to those who experience such a loss."
DUP Economy Spokesperson, Phillip Brett, brought an amendment to a Sinn Féin motion, which was agreed by the Assembly on Tuesday, 12 March.
Welcoming the support, the North Belfast MLA said: "Whilst this Sinn Fein motion was focused on workers' rights it did not address the important issue of leave for parents who experience a miscarriage.
"The loss of any pregnancy is a source of profound sorrow and grief. I believe that employment law should take account of this.
"This is an area where the DUP took action previously, with Gordon Lyons as the then Economy Minister launching a consultation on the issue in October 2022.
"Working parents who experience a still birth after the 24th week of pregnancy have a statutory entitlement to two weeks' leave and pay. I believe a worker or employee who experiences a miscarriage up to the end of the 23rd week of pregnancy should have the same protections. Northern Ireland could be the first region of the United Kingdom to introduce such a measure.
"I was delighted that the House accepted our amendment today.
"It is important that we see action to build upon the foundations that were laid in this area by the previous Minister and put in place practical measures which can demonstrate compassion and support to those who experience such a loss."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 May 2022
Finance Minister To Ensure Energy Payments Are Made In NI
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is committed to working with Treasury to ensure the Energy Bills Support Scheme will provide assistance to citizens here given the absence of an Executive.
Finance Minister To Ensure Energy Payments Are Made In NI
Finance Minister, Conor Murphy, has said that he is committed to working with Treasury to ensure the Energy Bills Support Scheme will provide assistance to citizens here given the absence of an Executive.
25 July 2024
Bill A Crucial First Step for Securing Woodlands' Future - Alliance
Alliance MLA, Peter McReynolds, has highlighted that an Assembly Private Members' Bill to strengthen tree protections is a crucial first step in securing the future of our woodlands. The East Belfast MLA made these remarks after submitting his proposed Bill on tree protection.
Bill A Crucial First Step for Securing Woodlands' Future - Alliance
Alliance MLA, Peter McReynolds, has highlighted that an Assembly Private Members' Bill to strengthen tree protections is a crucial first step in securing the future of our woodlands. The East Belfast MLA made these remarks after submitting his proposed Bill on tree protection.
04 June 2024
School Support Worker Unions Suspend All Strike Action
School support worker unions have announced the full suspension of planned strike action, which had been due to be held today, Tuesday 04 May. NIPSA and GMB unions have called off action with all support staff unions now agreeing to suspend action to allow new talks.
School Support Worker Unions Suspend All Strike Action
School support worker unions have announced the full suspension of planned strike action, which had been due to be held today, Tuesday 04 May. NIPSA and GMB unions have called off action with all support staff unions now agreeing to suspend action to allow new talks.
11 August 2022
UUP Welcomes Commitment To Energy Bill Support Scheme
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed a renewed commitment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that equivalent support under the energy bills support scheme will be delivered to households in Northern Ireland East Belfast MLA and Communities Spokesperson, Andy Allen, said: "Since the energy bills support scheme was announced by the then Chancello
UUP Welcomes Commitment To Energy Bill Support Scheme
The Ulster Unionist Party has welcomed a renewed commitment from the Chancellor of the Exchequer that equivalent support under the energy bills support scheme will be delivered to households in Northern Ireland East Belfast MLA and Communities Spokesperson, Andy Allen, said: "Since the energy bills support scheme was announced by the then Chancello
24 October 2022
Consultation Launches On Proposed Miscarriage Leave and Pay Legislation
A new consultation on proposed dedicated legislation for Miscarriage Leave and Pay in Northern Ireland has been announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons. The consultation follows the recent introduction of Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay legislation in Northern Ireland.
Consultation Launches On Proposed Miscarriage Leave and Pay Legislation
A new consultation on proposed dedicated legislation for Miscarriage Leave and Pay in Northern Ireland has been announced by Economy Minister Gordon Lyons. The consultation follows the recent introduction of Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay legislation in Northern Ireland.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with scattered showers, some of these could be heavy in the afternoon. Becoming mostly dry by evening with increasing amounts of sunshine. Feeling rather warm. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:A bright end to the day with any showers quickly dying out. Dry overnight with long clear spells and light winds. Minimum temperature 11 °C.
