Bereavement leave to be given to families who suffer miscarraige before 24 weeks

Women and couples who have lost a pregnancy before 24 weeks will now be entitled to two weeks bereavement leave.

A new legal right to unpaid time off work after suffering a bereavement will cover step and half relatives, as well as foster, kinship care and adoptive relationships.

The two weeks of unpaid leave will be available from April 2027, for people affected by pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, including those experiencing termination, IVF embryo transfer loss, and intended parents in surrogacy arrangements.

Previously only parents who have lost a child aged under 18 or stillborn from 24 weeks had a legal right to bereavement leave.

The Employment Rights Act, which became law in December 2025, introduced a new legal right to unpaid leave for employees who have suffered a bereavement, including pregnancy loss, from the first day in a job.

Clea Harmer, Chief Executive, Sands, welcomed the announcement, however expressed her disappointment to hear it’s unpaid leave.

“Today’s announcement of leave for parents following earlier losses is an important step in recognising that the death of a baby at any stage of pregnancy is a bereavement. While it is disappointing that it is unpaid it is a first step in ensuring that bereaved parents can get the time they need,” she said.

“We urge the Government to go further and ensure that all parents whose baby dies are entitled to at least two weeks of paid bereavement leave as is the case in Northern Ireland.”

“Sadly, we know that in-work poverty is a very real situation for many people in the UK, so for many people unpaid leave is simply not an option. Time to grieve and seek support if you need it should not depend on your income.”