New Bereavement Leave Introduced in England and Wales

MAMA Academy welcomes new legal right to time off for parents grieving pregnancy loss before 24 weeks

In a landmark move for parental rights, the UK government has confirmed that parents who suffer a miscarriage before 24 weeks will soon have a legal right to bereavement leave. This long-overdue change has been introduced via amendments to the employment rights bill and marks a significant step in recognising the profound emotional toll of early pregnancy loss.

Currently, bereavement leave is only granted after 24 weeks of pregnancy — legally classified as stillbirth — or following the death of a child under 18. However, Labour’s new legislation will entitle mothers and their partners to at least one week of statutory bereavement leave if they experience a miscarriage before the 24-week threshold. The exact length of leave will be determined after a public consultation and is set to be implemented by 2027.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner confirmed the change, stating it will give parents the vital space they need to grieve. The move has been widely praised by bereavement charities and campaigners, including the Miscarriage Association and Labour MP Sarah Owen, who has campaigned tirelessly for equitable recognition of early pregnancy loss.

At MAMA Academy, we believe this change is a powerful acknowledgment of the physical and emotional impact of miscarriage — something our community knows all too well. Every year, around 250,000 women in the UK experience a miscarriage, with many facing the added stress of returning to work before they feel ready.

Our CEO, Heidi Eldridge, said:

“This is a great step in the right direction, and we commend the government for recognising the grief that comes with pregnancy loss at any stage. However, we now hope to see this progress continue with the introduction of paid bereavement leave for miscarriage. No parent should have to choose between their mental wellbeing and financial stability during such a vulnerable time.”

Although some employers already offer miscarriage leave as a discretionary benefit, this new law ensures that all parents, regardless of where they work, are given the compassion and respect they deserve.

MAMA Academy will continue to advocate for policies that prioritise safer pregnancies and holistic support for all families. This legislation is not only a milestone for workers’ rights but also a moment of recognition for every parent whose loss has gone unacknowledged until now.