In November, we experienced an unimaginable tragedy - the loss of our son Toby. My partner Dale, like many other fathers in this situation, was only granted 2 weeks off work to grieve and manage this life-altering event. This is starkly contrasted with women who are allowed up to a year off in similar circumstances.

This discrepancy is not just unfair; it undermines the importance of both parents in a child's life and their shared grief when that child is lost. It also fails to recognize that grief does not have a timeline and can't be confined within two weeks.

According to Sands UK, a stillbirth & neonatal death charity, more than 5,000 babies are stillborn or die shortly after birth each year in the UK (Sands UK). Each one leaves behind devastated parents who need time and space to mourn their loss.

We call on lawmakers to reconsider these policies and extend bereavement leave for fathers following the loss of a child. It's time we acknowledge that fathers grieve too - they deserve equal rights when dealing with such profound sorrow. Please sign this petition if you believe in fair bereavement leave for all parents.