Upcoming legislative changes will see workers gain new statutory rights to time off after loss, including miscarriages and the death of partners and adult children.
Employees grieving the death of a loved one or mourning the loss of a pregnancy will soon gain new statutory rights to time off work under “common-sense” changes announced by the government this week (22 September).
The new day one bereavement rights will enter into force on April 2027, giving people who have lost loved ones – including spouses, partners, parents, adult children and siblings – and those who experience a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks – including miscarriage, abortions and unsuccessful IVF embryo transfers – the right to two weeks of unpaid leave.
The government said the move follows its efforts to “bring the UK’s laws into the 21st century”, with the rights also covering step, half, adoptive, kinship care and foster relationships.
Critically, the leave can be taken within 56 weeks of the bereavement and in discontinuous, single days. Employees will be under no obligation to provide evidence of the loss.
The notice requirements are similarly flexible. The government has clarified that any form of notice will be acceptable, and employees should let employers know “as soon as reasonably practicable”. Notice can be given the same day for leave taken within the first eight weeks of bereavement, and one week’s notice thereafter.
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