Leave for Every Loss: A Landmark Step in Recognising Pre-24-Week Pregnancy Loss as Bereavement

Today marks a pivotal moment in employment law and workplace rights, as the Government has committed to granting bereavement leave for those affected by pre-24-week pregnancy loss. This long-overdue recognition acknowledges that pregnancy loss at any stage can be a deeply traumatic experience, and it deserves to be treated with the same compassion and support as any other bereavement.

As an organisation dedicated to fostering inclusive and supportive workplaces, we are incredibly proud to have been involved in the Leave for Every Loss campaign alongside the Miscarriage Association, Sarah Owen MP, and partner organisations. The tireless advocacy of individuals and groups pushing for change has led to this significant breakthrough.

Why This Change Matters

Until now, UK employment law has not formally recognised pregnancy loss before 24 weeks as bereavement, leaving many affected employees without the necessary time and support to grieve. While some employers have offered compassionate leave, there has been no legal requirement to do so. This change, incorporated into the Employment Rights Bill, provides validation that pregnancy loss—at any stage—is a significant life event that warrants acknowledgment and time for recovery.

The Government’s commitment that pre-24-week pregnancy loss will be included in bereavement leave law, via the Employment Rights Bill, is an important milestone, and provides long-overdue validation that this type of loss can be experienced as a bereavement like any other.

This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of the Miscarriage Association, Sarah Owen MP, our partner organisations, and individuals in calling for change through our Leave for Every Loss campaign.

How This Will Shape Workplace Policies

With this change in the law, it is essential for all organisations to prepare for its implementation. As we await further details on the legislation, employers must begin thinking about how they will support their employees in these difficult circumstances.

We are committed to ensuring that workplaces are equipped with the right knowledge and policies to comply with the new law and, more importantly, to provide compassionate and meaningful support to employees facing pregnancy loss. Our workplace training programs will help organisations:

• Understand the new legal obligations and how they impact HR policies.

• Develop compassionate bereavement policies that go beyond compliance to truly support employees.

• Train managers and HR teams on how to handle conversations around pregnancy loss sensitively and appropriately.

• Foster a workplace culture where employees feel supported, rather than pressured to return to work prematurely.

  
  

The Next Steps

While today’s announcement is a huge step forward, there is still work to be done to ensure that the Employment Rights Bill provides the best possible support for those affected. We will continue to work closely with policymakers, campaign groups, and businesses to help shape this legislation as it progresses.

If you are an employer or HR professional, now is the time to start preparing. Join us in making workplaces more compassionate and inclusive by ensuring your policies and training reflect these new legal rights.

For more updates on the progress of the bill and guidance on how your organisation can prepare, follow our updates or get in touch to learn more about our workplace training programs.

Together, we can ensure that no one facing pregnancy loss has to navigate their grief alone.

Join us at our next workplace training event on Friday 10th October 2025 in Witham.

Email us at littlewingsofhopeuk@gmail.com