General · 22 September 2026
Bereavement leave covers step-relatives and pregnancy loss from April
From April next year, individuals employed in Great Britain will be entitled to a maximum of two weeks' unpaid leave following the death of a spouse, partner, parent, adult child, or sibling. Bereavement leave extends to step, half, adoptive, foster, and kinship care relationships, and also covers pregnancy loss occurring before 24 weeks. Charities like Miscarriage UK hope the change will encourage further support.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs