New Bereavement Leave Rights Announced for Families and Pregnancy Loss

Losing someone close can be one of life's most difficult experiences. During these moments, many people face the challenge of balancing grief with the demands of work, often relying on the goodwill of their employer to take time away when they need it most.

That is set to change following a major government announcement confirming new bereavement leave rights for employees across Great Britain.

From April 2027, people who experience the death of an immediate family member will have a statutory right to bereavement leave. The new entitlement will also cover women and their partners who experience a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, providing dedicated time away from work to grieve.

What Has Been Announced?

The Government has confirmed that employees who lose a spouse, partner, parent, adult child or sibling will be entitled to bereavement leave as a legal right.

Importantly, the new legislation will recognise a wider range of family relationships than many current workplace policies. The entitlement will also extend to:

• Step relationships
• Half siblings
• Adoptive families
• Kinship care arrangements
• Foster family relationships

The changes are designed to ensure that more families receive support during bereavement, regardless of how their family has been formed.

New Rights Following Pregnancy Loss

Alongside the wider bereavement leave reforms, the Government has announced a new entitlement for women and their partners who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.

The leave will apply to circumstances including:

• Miscarriage
• Pregnancy termination
• Unsuccessful IVF embryo transfers

Eligible individuals will be able to take up to two weeks of unpaid leave.

The new right will also extend beyond the person who was pregnant, recognising the impact that pregnancy loss can have on partners, intended parents through surrogacy arrangements and wider family units.

For many campaigners and families who have shared their experiences over recent years, this announcement represents an important acknowledgment of the emotional impact of pregnancy loss.

How Will Bereavement Leave Work?

The new entitlement is expected to offer flexibility for employees during what can be an unpredictable and emotionally challenging period.

Current plans include:

• Leave that can be taken within 56 weeks of the loss
• The ability to take leave as individual days rather than a continuous block
• Simplified notification requirements during the first eight weeks after a bereavement
• No requirement to provide evidence of a loss
• Protection from dismissal or unfair treatment for using the statutory entitlement

This flexible approach recognises that grief affects everyone differently. Some people may need time immediately after a death, while others may find they need support around key dates, anniversaries, memorial services or funeral arrangements.

Why These Changes Matter

While many employers already offer compassionate leave, support can vary significantly between workplaces.

The new legislation will establish a minimum level of protection, ensuring that employees have access to time off regardless of where they work.

The reforms also reflect changing family structures across the UK. By recognising stepfamilies, foster families and kinship care arrangements, the new rules acknowledge that meaningful family relationships extend far beyond traditional definitions.

For those affected by pregnancy loss, the changes provide formal recognition that grief can occur long before the birth of a child and that this loss deserves understanding and support.

What This Means for Bereaved Families

Practical responsibilities often arise immediately after a death, including notifying family members, arranging a funeral, managing paperwork and supporting other relatives.

Having protected time away from work can help reduce some of the pressure during an already overwhelming period.

While bereavement leave cannot lessen the pain of loss, it can provide families with valuable space to focus on what matters most: remembering the person who has died, supporting one another and beginning to navigate life after loss.

Looking Ahead

The Government has stated that the new bereavement leave rights will be introduced through secondary legislation and are expected to come into effect in April 2027.

The announcement marks a significant development in employment rights and bereavement support, helping ensure that more people are given the time and dignity they need during some of life's most difficult moments.

At The Farewell Guide, we believe that everyone deserves compassionate support when facing bereavement. Whether you are planning a funeral, exploring your options or simply looking for guidance, we are here to help you make informed decisions at your own pace.