Bereavement Leave to Include Miscarriage Before 24 Weeks

11 December 2025 | Business & Workplace | Author: Emma Allen

The UK government is set to amend the Employment Rights Bill to extend statutory bereavement leave to cover miscarriages occurring before 24 weeks.

Currently, only losses after 24 weeks (and under-18 child deaths in certain cases) qualify for statutory leave. Under the proposed change, all parents who experience a miscarriage, even in early pregnancy, will receive a minimum of one week of paid leave.

This legal acknowledgment is a significant step toward recognising the emotional toll of early pregnancy loss and providing much-needed time to grieve.

What this means for employers and HR teams:

• Review and update bereavement policies to comply with new legal obligations
• Communicate changes clearly to employees and managers
• Provide sensitive support tailored to those affected by early pregnancy loss

As a trusted advisor in employment law, we can help your business navigate these upcoming changes with care and compliance.

Contact us for guidance on updating your policies and supporting your team during this transition.