Paid leave wanted for families of war dead

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth is being lobbied by South Yorkshire MPs to change the law amid concern relatives' requests for time off have not always been met with sympathy by employers.

Sheffield Attercliffe MP Clive Betts has written to the minister after Sheffield resident Bill Stewardson revealed he was allowed just one day off after the death of his son, Kingsman Alex Green, 21, in Iraq, three years ago.

Mr Betts said: "I have spoken to Mr Stewardson about his experience. It is particularly disappointing that his request for compassionate leave did not receive the sympathetic response that the circumstances warranted.

"In these circumstances, I think there is an obligation on the Government to take action to ensure that all employees in this situation are treated fairly and equally."

The fight is also being led by Sheffield Hillsborough MP Angela Smith, who has tabled a motion in the House of Commons to get support from other MPs.

"We need to recognise the bravery and the selflessness of our Armed Forces personnel, who risk everything to defend our country and its values,"

she said. "When tragedy occurs, we ought to properly support the families, including

the recognition of an entitlement to appropriate bereavement leave."

Employees currently have the right to take time off after the death of a close relative, but there is no legal right that they should be paid during that period.

They say families of troops should be given special treatment because of the "very difficult and highly emotional nature" of their loss.

Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader in whose constituency Mr Stewardson lives, said it was a "difficult and sensitive matter" and urged employers to show compassion, although he said it "may be complicated" to change the law.