A woman who has spent three years campaigning for statutory paid leave after a baby loss has spoken of her joy following a proposed change in the law.

Keeley Lengthorn, from Bromley, suffered three miscarriages in three years, but she wasn't entitled to any time off after her son George was stillborn at 23 weeks.

She previously had an ectopic pregnancy which ruptured and, shortly after, she discovered there was no paid leave from work.

Keeley, who is a partner at south east law firm Taylor Rose NW Solicitors, produced a baby loss policy and presented it to her HR director – which was implemented as a firm-wide policy in December 2021.

In June 2022, Keeley started a national campaign calling all employers in the country to implement George’s Law.

Under current legislation, parents are not entitled to any paid time off work if they lose a baby under 24 weeks gestation.

But now, a proposed amendment to the Employment Rights Bill which is at the report stage in the House of Commons, will allow two weeks leave for those who suffer a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks gestation.

Keeley says she “hasn’t stopped crying” since hearing the news.

“It’s a real mix of emotions. It's been very overwhelming,” she explained.

“The fact that it was announced on George’s birthday really touched me.

“In January, we had the equality report which found that the need for bereavement leave for a miscarriage under 24 weeks was overwhelming.

“I'm so incredibly proud of George and everything he's achieved over the last three years...”

“The report found that not only was this happening to one in five families each year, but that it was the only sector of society not covered by bereavement leave and that there was a real gap in the law.

“Now, the government has said that if you lose a baby under 24 weeks you will be entitled to two weeks paid leave which is the same as what it is if you lose a baby after that point.”

She said the amendment is going to make a “phenomenal difference” and will benefit 250,000 parents in the country per year.

She added: “The law has been so archaic in this area, and now finally after three years of campaigning, we’ve got somewhere.

“I always said that his tiny footprints would make an everlasting impact and be a voice for parents and a voice for people who couldn't find the courage to speak up.

“I'm so incredibly proud of George and everything he's achieved over the last three years.”