Extended bereavement leave granted for miscarriages occurring before the 24th week of pregnancy.
The UK government is set to make significant changes to bereavement leave policies, with Labour's proposed reforms aiming to extend support to parents who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. This development, part of the Employment Rights Bill, marks a significant step forward in recognising pregnancy loss as a workplace bereavement.
Under the proposed changes, parents who lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks will be entitled to at least one week of bereavement leave, though the exact length is still under consultation. Currently, bereavement leave is only available to parents who lose an unborn child after 24 weeks of pregnancy or to those whose child dies under the age of 18.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has stated that this change will give "people time away from work to grieve," recognising the emotional, mental, and physical impact that miscarriage can have. Sarah Owen, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, has welcomed the move as a "huge step forward" in recognising pregnancy loss as a bereavement.
It is worth noting that the proposed bereavement leave for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks will initially be unpaid, unlike the two weeks of statutory parental bereavement pay currently provided to parents losing a child past 24 weeks or under 18 years old. Further details, including pay and eligibility criteria, are still being finalised.
The Miscarriage Association has provided information about the expected effective date of these changes, with the reforms expected to come into effect in 2027. The government is planning to amend the Employment Rights Bill to give parents the legal right to take time off work to grieve if they experience pregnancy loss at any stage.
These changes are expected to end the differences in the way employers treat people affected by pregnancy loss. Currently, women have "absolutely nothing" in terms of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss, aside from maybe sick leave, according to Sarah Owen.
The proposed changes have garnered support from Tommy's, a pregnancy and baby charity, which reports that 50 per cent of adults in the UK have experienced pregnancy or baby loss. Around one in eight known pregnancies will end in miscarriage, as reported by the NHS.
Sarah Owen, who has been a vocal advocate for this change, stated there is an "overwhelming" case for changing the law to end differences in the way employers treat people affected by pregnancy loss. Her advocacy, along with the support of the Miscarriage Association and Tommy's, has contributed to this significant step forward in recognising and supporting those affected by pregnancy loss in the workplace.
- The proposed Employment Rights Bill reforms, which aim to extend bereavement leave to parents experiencing pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, can be seen as a step forward in the health-and-wellness sector, addressing the mental-health implications of miscarriage for parents.
- In the realm of politics, these changes, initiated by Labour and supported by Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, are expected to bridge the gap in workplace bereavement support for those affected by women's health issues, specifically pregnancy loss.
- The proposed legislation, while initially unpaid, marks a shift in general-news headlines, reflecting a growing awareness and recognition of the significance of health-and-wellness issues, particularly as it pertains to women and mental health.
