Lindsay Edwards-Thatcher, of Thatcher MacKenzie, made the comments following the introduction of legislation in the UK known as ‘Jack’s Law’, which makes the two-week provision.
The requirement also applies to mothers who suffer a stillbirth from 24 weeks of pregnancy, irrespective of how long they have worked for their employer.
It follows a decade-long campaign for the changes by Lucy Herd, the mother of Jack.
Ms Herd’s efforts began after her 23-month-old son drowned in a pond in 2010.
Despite the intense trauma of the bereavement, Jack’s father was allowed only three days’ compassionate leave – one of which had to be taken on the day of the funeral.
MPs have since called the new provision the most generous offering for parental bereavement pay and leave in the world.
Ms Edwards-Thatcher said that although she had not experienced any issues in Jersey, she thought it would be prudent to introduce the law.
‘We are not talking about the loss of a family member, which is catastrophic anyway,’ she said. ‘We are talking about the loss of a child.
‘In the case of Jack, he was less than two years old and that would have had a seriously profound effect on the parent who was only given three days off work, which is just ridiculous.’
She added: ‘I think there are a lot of decent employers out there who will say, “Take what time you need to take” and will appreciate that there is no easy fix and sometimes there is no fix at all.
‘I have not come across any issues like this in Jersey and I was genuinely shocked to read that Jack’s father only received three days off, which is horrific. I just would never have expected that.’
Currently, in Jersey, there is no legal provision for bereavement leave of any kind and this is entirely down to the discretion of the employer.
Jo Nash, founder of Philip’s Footprints, a charity aimed at helping and supporting parents of stillborn babies, said yesterday that she would welcome the introduction of a ‘Jack’s Law’ in Jersey.
She and her partner, Paul, set up the organisation following the stillbirth of their second son, Philip, in 2008.
‘Philip’s Footprints is delighted to see that ten long years of lobbying by Lucy Herd has resulted in this much-
needed move for bereaved parents, and makes the UK one of only a few places in the world with this sort of legislation,’
she said.
‘We would welcome this and any additional support that Jersey could offer to bereaved parents at what is an incredibly difficult time, and can remain so for many years after loss.
‘Philip’s Footprints is always here to offer support in any way we can to anyone affected by the loss of a baby or child.’
