Bereavement and pregnancy loss leave for employees

These rules apply in Great Britain: England, Scotland and Wales.

When a dependant dies

An employee can take a reasonable amount of time off to deal with a dependant's death, for example to arrange the funeral. They must tell you the reason as soon as reasonably practicable. You must not refuse reasonable time off, and dismissing someone for taking it is automatically unfair.

When a child dies or is stillborn

An employee whose child dies under 18, or is stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy, has a separate right to parental bereavement leave. Parents who qualify are also entitled to Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay.

Where the law gives no right today

No law gives an employee time off to grieve. Nor does any law give time off when someone dies who is not a dependant, such as a friend, or a sibling or grandparent who lives elsewhere. A pregnancy loss before 24 weeks also carries no right to leave. Any time off in these cases is your choice, often as compassionate leave.

An employee who is ill after a pregnancy loss, or whose mental health suffers after a bereavement, can claim Statutory Sick Pay if they meet the usual conditions.

Since 6 April 2026, an employee in Great Britain can also take unpaid Bereaved Partner's Paternity Leave, in one continuous block, to care for a child under 1 whose mother, main adopter or main intended parent has died. It is a separate right from bereavement leave.

A new right planned for other deaths and pregnancy loss

The government plans a day-one right to unpaid bereavement leave. The Employment Rights Act 2025 lets the government set the detailed rules by regulations.

What the leave will cover

The leave will be a statutory minimum, and you can offer more time or pay. An employee who works Monday and Tuesday would get 4 working days, and one who works Monday to Friday would get 10.

Which losses will count

Leave after a death and leave after a pregnancy loss share one entitlement. A pregnancy loss does not add a second block of leave on top of a bereavement.

What to do now

Where to get help

If you are unsure whether a request falls under time off for dependants or parental bereavement leave, ask the Acas helpline. In Northern Ireland, ask the Labour Relations Agency.