Asked by: Peter Gibson (Conservative - Darlington)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps his Department is taking to (a) limit the effect of fireworks on pets and livestock, (b) prohibit the illegal import of unsafe fireworks, (c) make an assessment of the adequacy of existing legislation on the sale of safe fireworks and (d) control the use of fireworks between the hours as set out in the Fireworks Regulations 2004.
Answered by Paul Scully
There is a comprehensive regulatory framework in place for fireworks to reduce the risks to people and disturbance to animals. Existing legislation controls the sale, availability and use of fireworks, as well as setting a curfew and noise limit.
Using fireworks outside the curfew hours is a criminal offence, enforced by the police and can lead to imprisonment and a substantial fine. Local Authority Trading Standards work with retailers to ensure fireworks sold are safe, and they have powers to enforce against those who place non-compliant fireworks on the market, including those imported illegally or via the internet.
It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal, including through the misuse of fireworks, and is enforced by authorities including the police and Local Authority Trading Standards.
We remain committed to promoting the safe and considerate use of fireworks through the effective legislative framework and through non-legislative measures.
Asked by: Peter Gibson (Conservative - Darlington)
Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will review the threshold at which statutory bereavement leave is provided for parents that lose a child during the second trimester.
Answered by Amanda Solloway
Statutory Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay was introduced earlier this year, in April 2020, and applies to parents who lose a child under the age of 18, including individuals whose child is stillborn from 24 weeks of pregnancy. ‘Parent’ is broadly defined and employees have 56 weeks from the date of their child’s death or stillbirth to take their leave and pay.
Where a mother experiences a miscarriage before 24 weeks, it is often the case that a GP will sign her off work. The duration of this leave will depend on her personal circumstances, and the pay she is entitled to will be dictated by her standard workplace sick leave policy (for which there is a statutory minimum).
A partner will also be entitled to time off for dependents under the Employment Rights Act. Many employers will also have an existing compassionate leave policy or will operate one on a discretionary basis following such loss.
We strongly encourage employers to be sensitive and considerate at such a time.