6th April 2026
Significant new rules and rights regarding miscarriage leave are being introduced in the UK. Major changes taking effect from April 6, 2026.
The new rules and upcoming changes:
Northern Ireland (Starting April 6, 2026)
Two Weeks' Paid Leave: Employees in Northern Ireland will be entitled to two weeks of statutory miscarriage leave, available to both the woman who experienced the loss and her partner.
Day One Right: This is a "day one" right, meaning employees do not need a minimum length of service to qualify.
Flexibility & Pay: The leave can be taken as one continuous block or two separate weeks within 56 weeks of the loss. It will be paid at the statutory rate (expected to be £194.32 per week or 90% of earnings).
No Evidence Required: Oral notice to the employer is sufficient; no medical evidence is needed.
Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales - Expected 2027)
New Statutory Right: The UK Government has committed to introducing statutory bereavement leave for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks as part of the Employment Rights Bill.
Expected Timeline: These changes are expected to come into force in 2027, according to recent updates.
Coverage: This will provide a "day one" right to protected time off, covering both the person experiencing the loss and their partner.
Duration: Proposals currently suggest a minimum of one week of leave.
Current Protections (Before New Laws Take Effect)
Pregnancy-Related Illness: If a miscarriage occurs before 24 weeks, any time off needed is considered "pregnancy-related illness," meaning it should be recorded separately from other sickness absence and not counted towards disciplinary triggers.
Discrimination Protection: "Pregnancy and maternity" is a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010. Unfavourable treatment due to miscarriage is illegal.