Government to extend right to bereavement leave to include pre-24 week pregnancy loss
11th March 2025
The Government has committed to granting bereavement leave for people affected by pre-24 week pregnancy loss in what would be a major change in employment law.
In Parliament today (11th March 2025), Business Minister Justin Madders said the Government “fully accepts” the principle of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss and will work with MPs and peers to amend the Employment Rights Bill accordingly.
The move marks a significant step forward in our campaign for Leave for Every Loss and we are now committed to engaging with the Government on the details of this change and how it is implemented to the benefit of our communities.
Vicki Robinson, CEO of the Miscarriage Association, said: “We are extremely pleased to see, that for the first time ever, those experiencing pre-24-week pregnancy loss will be officially recognised in bereavement leave legislation. While we had been seeking paid leave, and the present commitment appears to be for unpaid leave, it nevertheless represents a significant step forward and provides long-overdue validation that this type of loss can be experienced as a bereavement like any other.
“This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of the Miscarriage Association, Sarah Owen MP, our partner organisations and charities, and individuals in calling for change through our Leave for Every Loss campaign.
“Whilst this is a very positive and welcome step, we are committed to engaging with the Government as the Bill passes through the next stages to ensure the new legislation fully benefits and supports our communities.”
Speaking in the House of Commons, Sarah Owen, said: “I am so pleased to hear the commitment from the minister today … although this is not paid as outlined in the [original] amendment, this is a significant step forward. It doesn’t just provide rights, but goes a long way into furthering how we talk about pregnancy loss in society as a whole.
“That miscarriage is no longer ignored. That is no longer stigmatised as a sickness. People have been moved to tears of joy, relief and raw emotion that their loss is now acknowledged and things will change. Later tonight, in the privacy of my home, I’ll probably be one of those, too.
“Special thank you to Vicki and her team at the Miscarriage Association, both professionally and personally. You are a voice for so many during their darkest times. Thank you.”
She closed her speech by stating:
“It is a giant leap forward in the recognition that miscarrying is a bereavement and not an illness, and workers will legally have the right to grieve.”
During the Report Stage of the Employment Rights Bill, Business Minister Madders, the Under Secretary of State for the Department of Business and Trade, paid tribute to Sarah Owen MP, the Women & Equalities Committee (WEC) and campaigners.
Mr Madders said the WEC committee – which received support from the Miscarriage Association including the convening of a lived experience panel – had “demonstrated a clear gap in support” for those experiencing pre-24-week pregnancy loss.
He added: “We have heard them”, and that the Government “fully accepts the principle of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss.” He said, “bereavement is not an illness” and pregnancy loss “needs its own special category of leave”, committing to further discussions with Sarah Owen MP and in the Lords during the passage of the Bill.
This development represents a meaningful acknowledgment of the grief associated with early pregnancy loss. The Miscarriage Association remains committed to advocating for Leave for Every Loss, including comprehensive support for all those affected.