UNIONS and campaigners welcomed the expansion of bereavement leave for families experiencing pregnancy loss today.

Families who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks are set to become entitled to protected bereavement leave, under new amendments to the Employment Rights Bill.

The measures will give those affected by pregnancy loss at any stage the legal right to take time off work to grieve, offering them much-needed support at a difficult time.

Until now, statutory Parental Bereavement Leave has only been available to parents who lose a child under the age of 18 or experience stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “For many families, including mine, that have been affected by pregnancy loss, the decision around returning to work or taking sick leave to grieve properly can make an already painful experience even more difficult.

“Grief doesn’t follow a timetable, and expanding rights to leave for pregnancy loss will ensure every family gets the time they need to heal without worrying about their job.

“Our Plan for Change is making a difference for hardworking people across the UK.

“[The] amendments are the next step in delivering the dignity and respect that they deserve.”

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “No-one going through the heartbreak and devastation of pregnancy loss should be forced to choose between grieving and keeping their job.

“This much-needed change will give families more time and space to deal with their grief.  

“These new protections are a reminder that stronger rights at work don’t just benefit individuals — they help build a fairer, more decent society for everyone.”

Miscarriage Association CEO Vicki Robinson called the announcement “a hugely important step that acknowledges the often very significant impact of pre-24-week loss, not only for those experiencing the physical loss, but for their partners, too.”

Dr Clea Harmer, chief executive of charity Sands, said: “Families tell us how important it is to have the time they need after pregnancy and baby loss, and statutory leave for all employees, including partners, will help to provide this.

“We now look forward to a thorough consultation involving families affected by losses before 24 weeks.”

Unison head of equality Josie Irwin said: “This significant move will allow parents the time and space needed to grieve and recover after a miscarriage.

“Good employers already look out for their staff. But this key part of the government’s employment rights package guarantees that all women and their partners will receive support from their employer if a pregnancy is lost.”