Parents who lose a child will be entitled to two weeks’ paid leave under a new law being introduced in April.
Jack's Law is in memory of Jack Herd whose mother Lucy campaigned on the issue after her son died before his second birthday in 2010.
The ruling will mean all employed parents will be able to take to a minimum of a fortnight off if they lose a child under the age of 18, or suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy, irrespective of how long they have worked for their company.
Parents employed in a job for six months or more will also be able to claim statutory pay over the period they are away.
The 海角视频 is the only country in the world to offer workers a right to time off in this circumstance, according to the government.
Parents will be able to take the leave as a single block of two weeks, or as two separate blocks of one week each taken at different times across the first year after their child’s death.
This means they can match their leave to the times they need it most, which could be in the early days or over the first anniversary.
"When I started this campaign 10 years ago after the death of my son Jack, I always hoped that a positive change would happen in his memory," said Lucy, who lives in Cumbria.
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"Knowing that nearly 10 years of campaigning has helped create ‘Jack’s Law’ is the most wonderful feeling, but it is bittersweet at the same time.
"I am so grateful to all those involved who have helped make this possible. I was told many times that I would not succeed but Jack’s Law will now ensure that bereaved parents are better protected in the future."
Business secretary Andrea Leadsom said: "There can be few worse experiences in life than the loss of a child and I am proud that this government is delivering ‘Jack’s Law’, making us the first country in the world to do so.
"When it takes effect, Jack’s Law will be a fitting testament to the tireless efforts of Lucy Herd, alongside many charities, to give parents greater support."
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has welcomed the news but national chair Mike Cherry says the law could go a "step further" to protect the self-employed.
He said: “It would be fantastic to see this legislation improved even further with the creation of a parental bereavement allowance for the self-employed.
“Now numbering more than five million for the first time, our sole traders drive the economy forward – and if the worst happens to them and their families, they should also get some compassionate assistance.”
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Clea Harmer, chief executive at stillbirth and neonatal death charity Sands, says employers need to make sure they know about the change and see what additional support they can offer grieving parents in the workplace.
'Support from employers can play a huge part'
"Having the legal right to two weeks of paid leave will make a big difference to bereaved parents affected by stillbirth or neonatal death so we are very pleased that they have been specifically recognised in the Act," she said.
Steven Wibberley, chief executive of Cruse Bereavement Care, added: "I cannot stress enough how important it is that parents are given time and space to grieve in the aftermath of a child’s death.
"Support from employers can play a huge part in this. We are pleased the government has laid out the minimum provision for bereaved parents, and we know many employers will go much further than this."
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The law will come into force on April 6, 2020, subject to Parliamentary approval of the legislation.
Around 7,500 child deaths, including around 3,000 stillbirths, occur in the 海角视频 every year. The government estimates the new law will help to support around 10,000 parents a year.
Jack's Law arrives ahead of the government’s new Employment Bill, , which ministers say will introduce a raft of further measures for workers and businesses including carer’s leave and neonatal pay.