There have been calls for the Government to introduce a statutory right to bereavement leave. 

The British Government is considering granting people a right to time off work following the death of a loved one. 

On Lunchtime Live, Grief Ireland’s Kathie Stritch said things in Ireland “depend on luck” and the “goodwill of an employer”. 

“I just believe there's such a stigma around grief as it is,” she said. 

“That somebody loses, let's say, their child on a Friday to be expected to return to work the following week is just, it's just insane to even think that someone would be able to carry out their job.” 

Ms Stritch added that she feels the status quo is “just unbelievable” and bereavement should be treated like a physical illness. 

“You can be safeguarded if you get sick,” she said. 

“But if, you know, your world is completely and utterly rocked, be it sudden or an illness, that you have no legal right to take some time off work. 

“And it is common practice in a lot of jobs, the public sector often give up to up to 20 days compassionate leave.

“But again, that doesn't mean that they have to, it's at the discretion of the employer.” 

A coffin in a church. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

While Ms Stritch acknowledged that “most employers are compassionate”. 

“Let's say you're working in an accountant's firm and it's year end and they just need you in there, you know, it's not guaranteed,” she said. 

“And I just can't wrap my head around how, you know, again, it's case by case. 

“We know grief is so unique.” 

Main image: A funeral. Picture by: Kzenon / Alamy. 17 October 2011