Behind every loss is a family that deserves time to heal. No-one should have to fight for time to grieve.
The reality is that under current rules there is inconsistency and confusion about what protections people might be entitled to. That’s why I’ve welcomed today’s announcement that, following a consultation, the government is extending legal rights to take time off work following the loss of a loved one or pregnancy.
From April 2027, all employees who have lost a spouse or partner, parent, adult child or sibling, will have the right to take two weeks of bereavement leave.
Existing Parental Bereavement Leave will be extended to women and their partners, including intended parents in surrogacy arrangements, who experience a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks – including miscarriage, terminations and unsuccessful IVF embryo transfers .
One thing I am particularly pleased about, as a care leaver and someone who has experience of fostering, is that this will also bring the UK’s laws into the 21st century to include step, half, adoptive, kinship care and foster relationships who currently have no legal right to bereavement leave.
These changes will deliver security and breathing room for families, giving them the right to grieve loss in the way that works for them. Today is a day when I am proud to be in a party of government that is introducing these important and compassionate changes.