Belgium: bereavement leave extended from three to ten days

The bill tabled by Nahima Lanjri, member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and of the CD&V (Christian Democratic and Flemish) party, which will extend bereavement leave, was unanimously approved by the house on 17 June. The leave allowance for an individual whose child or spouse dies will be increased from three to ten days. The first three days are for the period between the death and funeral of the relative and the remaining seven days can be taken in the year following the death. Long-term foster parents will also be eligible for this allowance. Employees, self-employed persons and civil servants will be entitled to take the extended bereavement leave, during which time they will receive 100% of their pay. Nahima Lanjri says: “I am delighted that bereavement leave has finally been extended. Bereavement is an individual process that everyone experiences in their own way. It is crucial that people find their own way to cope with this heavy loss. For example, some people want to go back to work straight away to clear their heads, others need to rest. That is why relatives should be able to choose freely when they take bereavement leave.”