The Government is preparing to amend the Employment Rights Bill to provide parents with bereavement leave following a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.

Under the new measures, parents will be entitled to at least one week of protected leave for pregnancy loss, with further details to be established after additional consultations.

Labour MP Sarah Owen, a strong advocate for this change, underscored the compelling case for universal bereavement leave as highlighted by the women and equalities select committee.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasized that these amendments will afford families dignity and respect, allowing them to grieve without the stress of job-related concerns.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner stated that no one should feel pressured to return to work before they are ready after experiencing such a loss.

She further noted that the changes will enable grieving parents to take the necessary time off to process their loss.

Vicki Robinson, CEO of the Miscarriage Association, praised the announcement as a significant acknowledgment of the emotional impact of early pregnancy loss on both mothers and their partners.

In addition to the bereavement leave changes, the government has announced a review of the entire parental leave system, recognizing that the current framework is inadequate for families.

This move comes in light of the approximately 250,000 miscarriages that occur annually in the UK, with early miscarriages representing 10% to 20% of all pregnancies.

The bereavement leave changes are part of broader Labour reforms aimed at enhancing workers' rights, which are expected to be fully implemented by 2027.