Proposed Law to Extend Bereavement Leave Following Miscarriage
AtaLoss welcomes Government support for amendment to Employment Bill and calls for appropriate access to grief support
AtaLoss Deputy CEO Roger Greene speaking on BBC Breakfast News this morning.
7 July 2025
The Government has supported a proposed amendment to the Employment Bill that would give parents the legal right to take at least one week of bereavement leave following a miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy.
Currently, statutory bereavement leave in the UK only applies after 24 weeks’ gestation or after the death of a child under the age of 18. If passed, this amendment would mark a significant change—recognising the emotional impact of early pregnancy loss and offering protected time off to both parents, regardless of the stage of pregnancy.
The change was brought forward by Labour MP Sarah Owen, following recommendations from the Women and Equalities Committee, and received Government backing in the House of Lords. Business Minister Justin Madders confirmed that the Government “fully accepts the principle” behind the amendment. The detailed terms of the entitlement, including any statutory pay, will be shaped through a public consultation. The legislation is expected to come into effect in 2027, pending Royal Assent of the full Bill.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast News today, AtaLoss Deputy CEO Roger Greene said:
“We really welcome this increasing recognition by Government that grief from bereavement is genuinely heartbreaking, and we would particularly like to see signposting into bereavement support — the appropriate support — that can be given to people in these circumstances.”
You can watch Roger’s full appearance on BBC iPlayer.
What the proposed change means:
Legal recognition: Parents experiencing a miscarriage at any point in pregnancy would no longer have to rely on sick leave or the discretion of their employer.
Inclusion: Both the birth parent and their partner would be eligible for leave, mirroring provisions for stillbirth or child loss.
Consultation underway: A public consultation will determine whether statutory pay is included and how the entitlement will be applied.
Implementation expected by 2027: The change forms part of the wider Employment Bill currently under review.
AtaLoss calls for action beyond legislation
AtaLoss welcomes this important step forward but urges action to ensure that time off from work is matched by timely and accessible emotional support. We call on employers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to ensure that:
Individuals are clearly signposted to appropriate bereavement and emotional support. AtaLoss provides a central signposting service for this purpose.
Public awareness is raised around the impact of miscarriage and pregnancy loss.
Sufficient funding is made available to services supporting those who are grieving.
If you or someone you know has experienced pregnancy loss or any type of bereavement, support is available. Find help today by searching this website for local and national services.
AtaLoss is the Secretariat of the APPG on Grief Support and the Impact of Death on Society. Visit our APPG page.
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