According to reports, BIS officials deemed the proposals "not feasible" despite public and political support for the workplace right to be introduced.
In November 2013, former Labour MP Lord Knight of Weymouth tabled an amendment to the Children and Families Bill to include a right for parents to take two weeks of paid leave in the event of their child’s death.
He told the House of Lords: “Clearly the bereavement of a child is a problem that would need more than one or two days.
“Everyone’s grief is different, so quantifying this is slightly challenging, but I contend that we need to give everyone some certainty that they are entitled to a minimum amount of leave on a paid basis.”
This month, a survey published by the National Council for Palliative Care, Dying Matters and the National Bereavement Alliance, found 87% of British adults wanted employers to have a compassionate employment policy, including paid bereavement leave and flexible working.
BIS’ comments were published in the Sun on Sunday as the Bill continues its progress through the House of Lords.
