New Bereavement Leave Rights Recognise Pregnancy Loss

Employees who experience early pregnancy loss will gain a legal right to bereavement leave in the United Kingdom from April 2027, offering greater recognition and workplace protection.

“No-one should have to fight for time to grieve. These changes back people going through some of the hardest moments of life,” says Kate Dearden, work minister.

Under the Employment Rights Act 2025, women and their partners experiencing miscarriage, termination or unsuccessful IVF embryo transfer before 24 weeks of pregnancy will be entitled to up to two weeks of unpaid leave. The protection will also extend to employees grieving the loss of spouses, parents, adult children and siblings, including step, adoptive and foster relationships. With an estimated one in five women experiencing miscarriage, the reform establishes a legal safety net for grieving families rather than leaving time off entirely to employers’ discretion.