Morgan Motor Company is implementing a new staff policy aligned with Hugh’s Law, becoming the first automotive manufacturer in the UK to do so.
Hugh’s Law calls for statutory paid leave and fair treatment at work for parents whose child is critically or terminally ill, addressing a gap in UK employment legislation where families often rely on goodwill or limited unpaid leave at a time of significant emotional and financial strain.
Hugh’s Law was established in memory of six-year-old Hugh Menai-Davis, who tragically died in 2021 following a 10-month battle with cancer. In the years since, his parents have campaigned for strengthened statutory protections for other parents who are required to step away from work when their child becomes critically ill.
Morgan’s policy, which is being introduced ahead of legislation, formalises the approach the company has taken for many years to support colleagues facing these circumstances with flexibility and care, even exceeding the recommendations of Hugh’s Law in areas of paid leave.
The policy is designed to ensure that no employee is placed in a position where they must worry about job security or income while caring for a critically ill child, and to provide clarity and consistency at a moment when uncertainty can be overwhelming. Beyond supporting its own colleagues, Morgan hopes that sharing its adoption of Hugh’s Law will help to encourage other businesses to consider similar policies.
Matthew Hole, Managing Director, Morgan Motor Company, said: “When we first learned about Hugh’s Law, there was no question that it was something we wanted to introduce at Morgan without delay. When a child is critically ill, a parent’s priorities are clear, and this policy ensures our colleagues can focus on their family without worrying about their livelihood.
“We have supported colleagues through these situations before, by formalising that approach it turns a promise into policy and makes our commitment clear and consistent. We hope that Morgan’s adoption of Hugh’s Law can help to encourage other businesses to consider doing the same.”
Ceri Menai-Davis, co-founder of the Hugh’s Law campaign, said: “Hugh’s Law exists because no family should be forced to choose between being by their child’s bedside and keeping a roof over their head.
“Morgan’s decision to implement a policy aligned with the principles of Hugh’s Law shows that meaningful support is both achievable and necessary. We hope it encourages other employers, of all sizes, to take similar action.”
