Slaughter and May announces new Baby Loss and Child Bereavement policy

International law firm Slaughter and May today announces the launch of a new Baby Loss and Child Bereavement Policy for all employees. The policy was developed alongside the stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands and outlines the support available for those who experience the loss of a pregnancy, a stillbirth, or the death of a baby or child.

Sadly, in the UK baby loss and child bereavement are not rare occurrences. The Miscarriage Association estimates that one in four pregnancies ends in a miscarriage, while the charity Tommy’s reported that, in 2020, one in every 225 pregnancies in the UK ended in stillbirth.

The new policy is designed to be flexible, and acknowledges that everyone experiences bereavement in different ways. The support that someone needs (such as a period of time off work, adjustments to working arrangements, or support from dedicated professionals) will necessarily vary in each case. Two weeks’ paid leave is provided as standard to any employee who experiences the loss of a pregnancy, baby or child. 

Paul Stacey, Slaughter and May’s Executive Partner, said, “The loss of a pregnancy, or the passing of a baby or child, is an unbelievably difficult thing to face. We know that, despite not being talked about much, it’s sadly not an uncommon experience. Our Baby Loss and Child Bereavement Policy aims to provide flexible support for any parent who experiences a loss, in a way that’s right for them.”