THURROCK Council workers who suffer miscarriages could soon be able to take paid leave.

The council has drawn up a plan to allow anyone who suffers a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy time at home to fully recover.

The council currently allows parental bereavement leave for the death of a child under 18 or if they suffer a stillbirth beyond 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The council can also grant one week paid leave and up to 30 days unpaid leave on compassionate grounds but if backed by councillors, the new rule will automatically sanction leave – likely to be five days – to anyone affected by miscarriage without the need to seek permission.

The rule will also mean spouses and partners can take time of to support their loved ones following a miscarriage.

A report to the council's general services committee, which meets on Monday, 5 July, says: "There is not currently a provision in place for individuals, or the spouse or partner of individuals, who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

This means for staff who do experience a miscarriage that subsequently require time to recover or support their spouse / partner they are likely to take time off sick, use annual leave or special leave entitlement or return to work early without having recovered."

The report adds: "By implementing this provision, the council will be supporting the wellbeing of our staff by allowing them to take appropriate time away from work.

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"The council will be recognised as a supportive employer and may also result in a reduction in sickness absence taken."

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham recently implemented the scheme with the provision of five days leave per miscarriage.

The move has the backing of Unison.