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Landmark Legislation to Expand Bereavement Leave for Pregnancy Loss Advances
Table of Contents
- 1. Landmark Legislation to Expand Bereavement Leave for Pregnancy Loss Advances
- 2. Here’s one People Also Ask (PAA) related question, based on the provided text, formatted for a search engine results page:
- 3. Miscarriage Leave: New Bereavement rules Explained
- 4. What are the New Miscarriage Leave Rules?
- 5. Eligibility for Statutory Miscarriage Leave
- 6. How Much Leave is Available?
- 7. Understanding Employer Obligations
London, UK – July 7, 2025 – A important shift in workplace policy is underway as new legislation progresses through Parliament, poised to grant bereaved parents extended leave following pregnancy loss. Currently, statutory bereavement leave for parents is limited to instances occurring after 24 weeks of gestation, or in the event of a child’s death under the age of 18. The proposed changes aim to address a critical gap in support for those experiencing the profound grief of miscarriage or stillbirth before the 24-week mark.
The Employment Rights Bill, already navigating the legislative process, will incorporate provisions for “at least” one week of dedicated leave.The precise duration is still under consideration, following ongoing consultations to determine the optimal level of support. This move follows years of advocacy from affected individuals and organizations championing the need for greater recognition of the emotional toll of early pregnancy loss.
Labor MP Sarah Owen, chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, has been a vocal advocate for this change, drawing on her personal experience with miscarriage to illustrate the deep and lasting impact of such loss. speaking to fellow Members of Parliament in 2021, Owen described the debilitating effects of grief, extending beyond the physical recovery to encompass profound emotional distress – loss of appetite, insomnia, and a sense of hopelessness.Business Minister Justin Madders signaled the government’s acceptance of the principle of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss in March, committing to its inclusion within the Employment Rights Bill. This commitment reflects a growing understanding of the widespread impact of early pregnancy loss,which affects an estimated one in four pregnancies. https://www.tommys.org/about-us/what-we-do/research/statistics
Vicki robinson, CEO of the Miscarriage Association, lauded the declaration as a “hug
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Miscarriage Leave: New Bereavement rules Explained
What are the New Miscarriage Leave Rules?
Recent legislative changes are significantly expanding miscarriage leave provisions, recognizing pregnancy loss as a bereavement event. Historically, there was no statutory right to leave following a miscarriage before 24 weeks of pregnancy in many jurisdictions. The new laws, often referred to as bereavement leave for miscarriage, aim to provide crucial time for grieving employees to process their loss without the added stress of work obligations. This is a significant step forward in acknowledging the emotional and physical toll of early pregnancy loss.
Eligibility for Statutory Miscarriage Leave
Eligibility criteria vary depending on location, but generally include:
- Length of Service: Most legislation requires a minimum period of employment (e.g., 26 weeks) to qualify.
- Relationship to the Loss: The leave is typically available to the employee who experienced the miscarriage, and in some cases, their partner.Partner’s miscarriage leave is becoming increasingly common.
- Gestational Age: While some laws cover loss at any stage of pregnancy, others specify a gestational age threshold (often before 24 weeks).
Its crucial to check the specific regulations in your region to determine precise miscarriage leave eligibility requirements. Resources like GOV.UK (example for the UK) provide detailed information.
How Much Leave is Available?
The amount of statutory miscarriage leave offered also differs by jurisdiction. Common provisions include:
| Region (Example) | Leave Entitlement | Pay Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | Up to 3 days | Paid |
| United Kingdom (Proposed) | Up to 2 weeks | Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) eligible |
| Australia (Varies by State) | Unpaid leave, frequently enough linked to existing personal/carer’s leave | Unpaid |
Many employers are choosing to offer more generous miscarriage support packages, including extended leave and full pay, recognizing the importance of employee wellbeing. Enhanced miscarriage leave is a growing trend.
Understanding Employer Obligations
Employers have a legal and ethical duty to support employees experiencing pregnancy loss. Key obligations include:
- Awareness & Training: Educating managers and HR staff about the new laws and the sensitive nature of pregnancy loss support.
- Confidentiality: Maintaining strict confidentiality regarding an employee’s miscarriage.
- Reasonable Adjustments: Considering reasonable adjustments to workload or working arrangements upon an employee’s return to work.
- Non-Discrimination: Ensuring employees are not discriminated against for taking bereavement leave after miscarriage.