Bereavement Leave – 24th October 2025
We’ve waited to share an update on the proposed changes to bereavement leave until the government’s intentions became clearer. We know there’s been a lot of confusion and misinformation circulating on social media, and we didn’t want to add to that. Many people have already been contacting their employers, believing new rights are in place — but as of now, no legal changes have yet taken effect.
For many years, there have been widespread calls for paid bereavement leave following baby loss that occurs before 24 weeks of pregnancy. This recommendation was one of the key proposals within the Pregnancy Loss Review, laid before Parliament in July 2023, and fully accepted by the government. That landmark review has already led to positive progress — including the introduction of Certificates of Baby Loss, improvements to NHS bereavement leave policies, and renewed national conversations about compassionate workplace rights.
Building on this momentum, in 2024, Labour MP Sarah Owen, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee, launched a campaign urging the government to extend paid bereavement leave as part of the new Employment Rights Bill.
The Bill has now been debated in both Houses of Parliament and is currently in the consultation phase. This means officials are exploring key details such as:
- How bereavement leave would be administered,
- How long the leave should last,
- Whether both parents will qualify, and
- Most importantly, whether it will be paid or unpaid.
At Mariposa International (www.sayinggoodbye.org), we are thankful that the government is continuing to acknowledge baby loss as a bereavement (as they did with the introduction of the certificates of loss) and is actively working to introduce bereavement leave.
However, firstly, we urge ministers to ensure that any new entitlement to bereavement leave is paid, not unpaid. Unpaid leave is simply not an option for many people, especially those on low incomes.
Secondly, we urge ministers to carefully consider 2 weeks of leave rather than just 1 week, which is the current consideration. Whether someone has lost a baby before or after 24 weeks, their need to grieve and process their loss is essential, and providing 2 weeks of leave would significantly aid this.
To be clear, no law has yet been passed. The Bill will undergo further consideration of amendments in Parliament next week. If agreed by both Houses, it will then proceed to Royal Assent. Even after that, there will likely be a 12–18-month implementation period, meaning these changes may not come into effect until mid-2027 at the earliest.
Mariposa International remains at the forefront of advocacy, working closely with government ministers, MPs, and peers to bring about lasting, compassionate reform. If you believe in a future where every parent is given the time, respect, and support they deserve in loss — join us.
Sign up below to lend your voice, and help us ensure that bereavement leave for baby loss truly honours every family’s experience.