UK to grant bereavement leave for early miscarriages
Employees in the UK who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks will be entitled to bereavement leave under an upcoming amendment to the Employment Rights Bill, as reported by BBC on July 7, 2025.
The new measure, which will apply in England, Scotland, and Wales, will legally recognize early pregnancy loss as a bereavement for the first time.
As the law stands, statutory bereavement leave is only available after 24 weeks of pregnancy or following the death of a child under 18.
The duration of the leave is set at least one unpaid week, with details such as eligibility and medical certification are still under review.
Employees with at least 26 weeks of service may also qualify for two weeks of statutory bereavement pay, £187.18 a week or 90% of their average earnings, whichever is lower.
The change is part of the government’s “Plan for Change,” which also includes reforms such as banning exploitative zero-hours contracts and introducing day-one rights to parental leave.
The amendment, currently progressing through Parliament as part of the Employment Rights Bill, would make the UK one of the few countries to recognize early pregnancy loss as grounds for bereavement leave, with further guidance and consultation expected before implementation.
Widespread Support from Lawmakers and Advocates
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated that the change was about giving people “time away from work to grieve,” adding that no one experiencing such loss should be forced to return to work before they are ready.
The change marks important progress in formally recognizing miscarriage as bereavement and giving workers protected time to grieve, following a campaign led by Sarah Owen, Member of Parliament of the UK, to extend bereavement leave.
The Miscarriage Association in the UK, which advocated for the new bereavement law, noted the change would reduce stigma and reflect how deeply miscarriage affects both individuals and their families.
Reactions and Concerns to the Campaign
The proposal was backed by major business groups like the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), while some small business owners expressed concern about operational challenges, calling for flexibility in how the policy is applied.
Despite concerns, the government reaffirmed its commitment to balancing workers’ rights with business needs, noting that over 190 employers and stakeholders had been consulted during the development of the measure.
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