Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley has welcomed RSA Insurance’s progressive policy on miscarriage leave.

Earlier this month, the SNP MP who has been campaigning to have paid miscarriage leave introduced in the UK met with RSA to discuss their approach.

In April 2021, RSA introduced two weeks of fully paid leave for staff who experience miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy.

This enables expectant parents, regardless of gender and seniority in the business, who experience miscarriage the opportunity to grieve their loss and recognises the fact that the loss is felt by both partners.

RSA also offer an Employee Assistance Programme which allows staff access to confidential telephone counselling.

Last year, the Paid Miscarriage Leave Bill, a private members’ bill introduced by Ms Crawley, received the support of every party represented at Westminster as well as more than 40,000 members of the public who signed a petition.

Commenting, Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley said:

“I was delighted to meet with RSA Insurance and discuss their policy for parents who experience miscarriage.

“Their policy ensures that employees are afforded the right to grieve their loss by offering paid leave and compassionate support to help them through what is an incredibly difficult time for an expectant parent.

“I will continue to campaign for paid miscarriage leave to be introduced on the statute book to ensure every parent has the right to grieve.

“I would also encourage businesses to follow the example of companies like RSA and their support for employees.”

Gemma Jackson, head of diversity and inclusion at RSA Insurance added:

“At RSA, we want to ensure we are there for our people when they need us the most. Our miscarriage leave policy enables our employees to take the time and space they need to be able to process their loss.

“Offering practical and emotional support to our people at such a challenging time in their lives is paramount in ensuring their wellbeing.

“We actively support Ms Crawley’s Paid Miscarriage Leave Bill and encourage other businesses to follow suit in offering paid leave provisions to their employees.”