Open consultation

Make Work Pay: leave for bereavement including pregnancy loss

• From: Department for Business and Trade, Kate Dearden MP and The Rt Hon Peter Kyle MP
• Published: 23 October 2025

Summary

We are seeking views on the details of a new entitlement to bereavement leave, including for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.

This consultation closes at
11:59pm on 15 January 2026

Consultation description

The Employment Rights Bill introduced a new day-one right to unpaid bereavement leave for employees who experience the loss of a loved one, including pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.

We are seeking views to ensure the new entitlement is shaped with the needs of employees and employers at the forefront.

This consultation seeks views on:

• eligibility criteria
• types of pregnancy loss in scope
• when and how bereavement leave can be taken
• notice and evidence requirements

We welcome views from all stakeholders, particularly those with insight into this sensitive and personal topic. This may include charities, individuals with lived experience, and employers.

See the Public consultations privacy notice.

Documents

Consultation on leave for bereavement including pregnancy loss

PDF, 775 KB, 36 pages

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Ways to respond

Respond online

or

Email to:

bereavementleave@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Write to:

Bereavement Leave Team
Employment Rights Directorate
Department for Business and Trade
Old Admiralty Building
Admiralty Place
London
SW1A 2DY

Published 23 October 2025