Miscarriage Association attends Downing Street reception to mark bereavement leave law change
13th January 2026
Last night, Chief Executive Vicki Robinson attended a reception at 10 Downing Street to mark the passing of the Employment Rights Bill, which confirms that bereavement leave following miscarriage will become law.
Vicki Robinson, Miscarriage Association Chief Executive, said:
“It was a privilege to be invited to No.10 to mark the passing of legislation that will, for the first time, legally recognise pre-24-week pregnancy loss as a bereavement. This milestone reflects the voices and experiences of our community, and the collective efforts of charities, employers and campaigners – including the tenacity of our ambassador Sarah Owen MP – who have worked tirelessly to help bring us to this point.
“The Employment Rights Bill becoming law is a hugely significant step in acknowledging the profound impact of pregnancy loss and the vital need for time and space to grieve.”
While the legislation has now passed all the Parliamentary stages, the new bereavement leave entitlement will not take effect immediately. The Government has indicated that the provisions are expected to be implemented in late 2026 or 2027, once detailed regulations and guidance have been developed. In the meantime, the Government’s consultation on bereavement leave remains open until this Thursday (15 January 2026) and will shape how the leave will operate in practice.
The Miscarriage Association encourages anyone with lived experience, as well as employers and specialist organisations, to respond to the consultation and help shape guidance that truly reflects the needs of people affected by pregnancy loss.
“Under current proposals, the entitlement would be for one week of unpaid leave, and through our Leave for Every Loss campaign we have consistently called for a minimum of two weeks’ paid bereavement leave. We will continue to work closely with the Government to ensure the final guidance delivers meaningful, compassionate and equitable support for everyone affected.” Adds Robinson.
We would like to thank everyone who has supported and championed our Leave for Every Loss campaign, your voices have helped make this change possible.