UK Plans Bereavement Leave Extension for Miscarriage Before 24 Weeks

The UK Government plans to amend the Employment Rights Bill to grant parents bereavement leave if they lose a pregnancy before 24 weeks, expanding current rights that only cover losses after 24 weeks or the death of a child under 18. This change will provide parents with at least one week's protected time off work to grieve, with the exact length to be determined after further consultation. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner emphasized that no one experiencing pregnancy loss should have to return to work before they are ready, highlighting the need for time to heal. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and others described the amendments as offering dignity and respect to grieving families. The move has been welcomed by advocates such as Vicki Robinson, chief executive of the Miscarriage Association, and marks a victory for Labour MP Sarah Owen, who campaigned for this change. The government also intends to review parental leave systems more broadly to better support families.