UK to Extend Bereavement Leave for Miscarriages Before 24 Weeks

Bereavement leave is set to be extended to cover miscarriages that occur before 24 weeks of pregnancy. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasized that this change will allow individuals to take time off work to grieve. Currently, bereavement leave is only granted to parents who lose an unborn child after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The government plans to modify the Employment Rights Bill to legally entitle parents to time off work for grieving in case of pregnancy loss at any stage.

Under the proposed law change, parents who undergo a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy will have the right to bereavement leave. Rayner stated, 'No one who is going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss should have to go back to work before they are ready.' Presently, parents are eligible for a fortnight's leave if they experience pregnancy loss after 24 weeks or if a child under 18 dies.

The extended leave entitlement will be for 'at least' one week, with the exact duration still under consultation. The Employment Rights Bill, which includes additional provisions to safeguard employees' right to take time off for grieving the loss of a loved one, is progressing through Parliament.

Labour MP Sarah Owen, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, hailed this move as a 'huge step forward in recognizing that loss as a bereavement.' She highlighted that women currently receive 'absolutely nothing, aside from maybe sick leave.' Owen, who advocated for this change, shared her personal experience of miscarriage, emphasizing the emotional impact over physical concerns.

In March, business minister Justin Madders expressed support for the principle of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss and committed to exploring its inclusion in the Employment Rights Bill. Vicki Robinson, CEO of the Miscarriage Association, welcomed this development, noting that it acknowledges the emotional aspect of pregnancy loss. Robinson stressed the importance of allowing individuals to take time off work without facing repercussions after such a loss.