With new laws supporting people who experience miscarriage coming into effect in Northern Ireland this spring and similar proposals in Scotland, England and Wales, and Ireland, this is an opportunity for employers across the UK and Ireland to examine their family friendly policies, an expert has advised.

Statutory miscarriage leave and pay will take effect in Northern Ireland from 6 April as part of the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 – ahead of Scotland, England and Wales, and Ireland.

Under the new rules in Northern Ireland, statutory pay, set at the lower of 194.32 per week or 90% of weekly earnings from April 2026, will be available, with both the woman and her partner entitled to two weeks of paid leave to take over the 56-week period after their loss, either in two single week blocks or as one fortnight-long block.

No personal medical information will be required to claim it, with affected employees only required to inform their employer of their loss and that they wish to take bereavement leave. Employees and workers will be entitled to take leave under the Act from the first day of their employment as the previous 26 week qualifying period has been removed.

Similar entitlements will be introduced in Scotland, England and Wales in 2027 as part of the raft of changes to employment law in the Employment Rights Act 2025. However, full details of the proposed bereavement leave, including bereavement leave for pregnancy loss before 24...

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