Easter Ross MP call on Highland Council to do more for pregnancy loss
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Jamie Stone Mp has made the comments after flagging the Miscarriage Association's Pregnancy Loss Pledge.
When businesses sign the pledge, employers commit to a higher pregnancy loss standard, ensuring employees facing the tragedy are getting the support and time off they need.
So far, the only local authority that has signed is Fife Council, and Mr Stone is calling for the Highland Council to join in.
The Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP stated that miscarriage is not an illness, it is a loss that can be traumatic for expectant parents and have a negative impact on their mental and physical health.
He said: "“Employers that sign up to the Pledge commit to creating an environment where people are able to grieve their loss, before being supported back to work in a way which is both responsive to their needs and shows flexibility wherever possible.
“I would encourage Highland Council to take the Pregnancy Loss Pledge to ensure that any affected council employee is supported through what can be an incredibly tough time, both mentally and physically.”
Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has been writing to every local authority in Scotland to encourage them to take the pledge.
She added: “I have been campaigning to have support for parents who experience miscarriage improved so that people are not forced to take sick or unpaid leave to be able to grieve.
“By signing up and following the example set by Fife Council, Highland Council will enhance their current policies for staff who experience bereavement.
“The more employers who commit to the Pregnancy Loss Pledge, the quicker we can finally end the stigma associated with miscarriage and ensure parents are properly supported.”
For more information, find the Pledge online.
