Jack’s law gives working parents who suffer the loss of a child two weeks of paid leave. But while it offers a cushion for the immediate loss, many believe it is not long enough and might even backfire. Carrie, who lost her baby to brain cancer, said, ‘I had to put on a false face, which was exhausting. All sorts of things triggered my grief during the day. As a parent who has lost a child, you never stop grieving. I am concerned that these two weeks will be seen as the official and “correct” amount of time that people need to get over their loss. Nobody can complete grieving within two weeks. Parents will still be arranging a funeral. It is only after that they can begin to grieve. While I appreciate the cost of providing any leave, further support needs to be available once parents return to work, much as it is on return from illness.’
You never stop grieving
Written by David Fletcher 06 Feb 2020Additional Info
- Pray: for Jack’s law, which comes into force in April, not to reinforce assumptions that grief can be resolved in two weeks - as parents have to learn to live with the loss. (Luke 1:79)
- More: www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/feb/03/you-never-stop-grieving-why-bereaved-parents-need-more-than-two-weeks-off-work
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