Since April 2010, employees in the UK have had the right to two weeks of parental bereavement leave and pay after:
- The death of a child under 18.
- A stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
- An abortion after 24 weeks (in rare cases where the mother’s life is at risk, or the baby has a severe disability).
This leave can be taken within 56 weeks of the loss and is paid at the same rate as Statutory Maternity Pay (£184.03 per week).
In December, the Miscarriage Association launched the Leave for Every Loss campaign, calling for changes to the law to allow bereavement leave for women and their partners who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Currently, these losses are not covered by bereavement leave, leaving affected employees to rely on sick leave or their employer’s goodwill.
The campaign has gained support from organizations like the TUC and Co-op, as well as the Women and Equalities Committee (WEC). The WEC has proposed amending the Employment Rights Bill to extend bereavement leave to pre-24-week pregnancy losses. While the current bill doesn’t include this specific proposal, it does suggest expanding bereavement leave to cover the loss of “loved ones,” which could potentially include early pregnancy losses.
For further information, please contact Kerry Curd in the employment team on 01626 202406 or email KerryCurd@wbw.co.uk.
WBW Solicitors has offices in Axminster, Bovey Tracey, Brixham, Chard, Exeter, Exmouth, Honiton, Launceston, Newton Abbot, Paignton, Seaton, Sidmouth, and Torquay.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.
