UK to grant two weeks unpaid bereavement leave for pregnancy loss from 2027

During Baby Loss Awareness Week, Prime Minister Andy Burnham confirmed a legislative change that will take effect in April 2027, granting employees up to two weeks of unpaid bereavement leave after any pregnancy loss, such as miscarriage, termination or unsuccessful IVF. The provision covers women, their partners, and intended parents in surrogacy, recognizing the impact on the whole family. Leave may be taken as single days or a block within 56 weeks of the loss, and notification is required only as soon as reasonably practicable if taken within eight weeks.

Workers are protected from dismissal or detriment for exercising the right, and no evidence of the loss must be supplied. The measure also broadens bereavement rights for loss of a spouse, parent, adult child, sibling and related relationships. The government said this is a first step and will review broader parental leave policies.