The UK government has confirmed it will introduce statutory bereavement leave for parents who experience a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy.
The update comes as part of the Employment Rights Bill, a flagship reform led by the Labour government, and aims to provide greater legal protections for grieving parents.
The UK is not alone in expanding protections in this area, earlier this year, Germany amended its maternity protection laws to extend certain rights to women who miscarry after the 12th week of pregnancy, granting a legally protected period of recovery without requiring a formal sick leave certificate. These evolving laws reflect a growing shift toward recognizing miscarriage as as a significant life event warranting workplace protection and support.
The New Bereavement Leave Extension in the United Kingdom
While UK employees are currently entitled to two weeks of statutory bereavement leave in cases of stillbirth (after 24 weeks) or the death of a child under 18, this new measure will extend protections to parents who lose a pregnancy before the 24-week mark.
Under the reform:
Both mothers and their partners will be eligible.
The right includes at least one week of bereavement leave, with specific provisions to be determined following a government consultation.
The law will apply across England, Scotland, and Wales, coming into effect in 2027.
Implications for British Employers
Employers in the UK, excluding Northern Ireland, should begin preparing for this change now, even though implementation is set for 2027. Key actions include monitoring the upcoming consultation and final legislation to stay informed about eligibility, duration, and procedural requirements.
Employers should review existing HR policies to ensure they are inclusive and sensitive to early pregnancy loss and train managers and HR teams to appropriately support employees through bereavement.
How Atlas HXM Can Help
Navigating changes to labour laws across multiple jurisdictions can be complex. Atlas HXM helps you remain compliant by acting as your Employer of Record (EOR) in the UK and beyond.
With Atlas, you can stay ahead of employment law changes in over 160 countries, ensure accurate leave entitlements and benefits administration, and support your global workforce with empathetic and compliant policies.