Bereavement Leave

Expected 2027

Since the introduction of parental bereavement leave in April 2020, eligible employees have been entitled to two weeks of leave and pay following the death of a child under 18, or a stillbirth after 24 weeks of gestation.  However, there is currently no statutory right for employees to take bereavement leave on the death of ‘other’ loved ones.

The changes to bereavement leave, taking place in 2027 will expand the scope to introduce a day one right to at least one week of leave following the loss of ‘other loved ones’. The bill will also cover pregnancy loss in the first 24 weeks, including implantation failure following IVF. At this point, we do not know who “other loved ones” will be, as that will be dealt with in regulations to follow.  Provision has not been made for bereavement leave in respect of the loss of a loved one from this wider group of persons, to be paid.