Bereavement leave to be rolled out to parents who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks
Parents given ‘time to heal’ under plans to expand leave for pregnancy loss
- The UK government plans to amend the Employment Rights Bill to provide bereavement leave for parents experiencing pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
- This change will ensure protected time off, addressing current rules that only grant leave for stillbirths after 24 weeks or the death of a child under 18.
- The amendments will introduce a right to at least one week's leave for pre-24-week losses, with the precise duration to be determined following a consultation.
- Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds supported the move, highlighting the need for dignity and families receiving the “time they need to heal” without job concerns.
- The Miscarriage Association welcomed the announcement as a crucial step acknowledging the significant impact of early pregnancy loss on individuals and their partners.