Legal right to grieve for families who face pre 24 week pregnancy loss

Today (Monday 7 July), in response to the Miscarriage Association’s Leave for Every Loss campaign, and tireless determination from Sarah Owen MP, the Government has confirmed that families who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks will be entitled to protected bereavement leave.

The amendments to the Employment Rights Bill announced today will give those experiencing pregnancy loss at any stage the legal right to take time off work to grieve. They will be entitled to take a minimum of five days off work, acknowledging the often-profound impact of losing a baby in pregnancy and putting it on an equal footing with other forms of bereavement.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

“For many families like mine that have been affected by pregnancy loss, the decision around returning to work or taking sick leave to grieve properly can make an already painful experience even more difficult.  

“Grief doesn’t follow a timetable, and expanding rights to leave for pregnancy loss will ensure every family gets the time they need to heal without worrying about their job. 

“Our Plan for Change is making a difference for hardworking people across the UK. Today’s amendments are the next step in delivering the dignity and respect that they deserve.” 

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said:

 “No one who is going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss should have to go back to work before they are ready.

 “I am proud that this Government is introducing a day one right to protected time off work after experiencing pregnancy loss, giving people time away from work to grieve and spend time with their families.”

Vicki Robinson, CEO of the Miscarriage Association, said:

“We welcome today’s announcement that, for the first time, miscarriage and other types of pregnancy loss will be formally recognised as bereavement and those affected will have the legal right to take time off work to start to grieve and heal. This is a hugely important step that acknowledges the often very significant impact of pre-24-week loss, not only for those experiencing the physical loss, but for their partners, too.

“We’ve been pleased to contribute to the Government’s decision making on this issue and are encouraged that our views, and those of our community, have been heard loud and clear – that pregnancy loss can be experienced as a bereavement like any other. 

“This positive outcome reflects the strength of our Leave for Every Loss campaign, the dedication of Sarah Owen MP, and the efforts of our partner organisations and individuals who have worked tirelessly for change.

“We remain committed to working with the Government as the legislation progresses, to help ensure the new provisions meet the needs of everyone affected by pregnancy loss and support employers in implementing these vital changes.”

Sarah Owen MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities (WEC) Select Committee, said:

“From my personal experience of miscarriage to the powerful testimony the Women & Equalities Select Committee heard, I know the difference that bereavement leave will make.  

“It is a bold and necessary move from this Government to see the UK become one of only a handful of countries in the world to recognise pregnancy loss as a bereavement and give workers the right to take time off to grieve. 

“Nothing will ever take away the pain of losing a pregnancy, but this law change will provide workers with the security of time to grieve and help end the stigma of miscarriage for good.” 

This historic change to the Employment Rights Bill, due to come into effect in 2027, wouldn’t have been possible without the voices of the Miscarriage Association community, especially those who told their stories at the WEC select committee. We thank you all.

To read the full press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade, visit here.