Northern Ireland offers two weeks paid bereavement leave to those affected by pregnancy loss
7th April 2026
Starting on 6 April, women and their partners affected by pregnancy loss in Northern Ireland will be offered two weeks paid bereavement leave.
On BBC Breakfast, our volunteers Erin and Anna shared their thoughts on this change, and how it might have helped them through their own previous losses, alongside The White Butterfly Foundation.
Speaking about the impact of the two weeks paid leave, now available in Northern Ireland, Erin said:
“It gives validity to both the grief and the physical aspect of the loss. Having my partner with me would’ve really helped me to process through everything, and it would’ve reduced my trauma significantly.”
“It’s life changing. I know that had I not gone back to work when I did, I would have had a much better experience of recovery… It gives you permission to say ‘this horrible thing has happened to me, and I need to recover.” Anna added.
Our CEO Vicki Robinson also provided insight into the benefits of paid leave, as well as the avenues of support for those not wishing to disclose their loss at work.
After years of campaigning from ourselves and fellow advocates including Sarah Owen MP, the Westminster Government has, from 2027, committed to providing a minimum of one week’s bereavement leave for pre-24-week loss in England, Scotland and Wales. Initially, however, this is expected to be unpaid.
Through our Leave for Every Loss campaign, we will continue to push for better, so that anyone experiencing this heartbreak is allowed time to grieve without worrying about using sick leave or going without pay.
A huge thank you to Erin and Anna for sharing their stories, and for all they do to raise awareness of pregnancy loss.
If you have been affected by miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or molar pregnancy, and would like support, you can find our support services here. If you are unsure about your rights at work, or how to disclose your loss to your employer, you might like to visit our workplace hub.