In December 2024, the Miscarriage Association launched the Leave for Every Loss campaign, calling for changes to the law to extend bereavement leave for parents who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. Currently, these losses are not covered by bereavement leave, and affected employees must use sick leave or rely on the goodwill of their employer.
What is covered by Bereavement Leave?
Currently, employees in the UK have the right to two weeks of parental bereavement leave and pay in the following instances:
- 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).
The Leave for Every Loss Campaign
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.
Further reading
The Miscarriage Association:Pregnancy Loss Information & Support
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