UK to introduce statutory bereavement leave for pregnancy loss

The UK Government has confirmed that, starting in April 2027, employees in England, Scotland, and Wales will have a new day-one legal right to up to two weeks of unpaid bereavement leave following a pregnancy loss occurring before 24 weeks.

The entitlement covers various circumstances, including miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and unsuccessful IVF embryo transfers. The right also extends to partners, the other biological parent, and intended parents in surrogacy arrangements.

As a day-one employment right, there is no qualifying period of service required. The leave can be taken as two consecutive weeks or as individual days. While the statutory entitlement is unpaid, advocacy groups like Miscarriage UK continue to campaign for two weeks of paid bereavement leave.