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, due to take effect 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 reform will also cover pregnancy loss in the first 24 weeks. 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. The changes also provide protection around redundancy and dismissal.

The government launched a consultation on 23 October 2025 which is now closed. The consultation sought views on the eligibility criteria, types of pregnancy loss in scope, when and how bereavement leave can be taken and notice and evidence requirements.