The government has confirmed a significant change to employment rights, with a new statutory day-one right to bereavement leave coming into force from April 2027. Under the new rules, employees will be entitled to up to two weeks’ unpaid leave following the death of a close family member, regardless of how long they have worked for their employer.
Introduced under the Employment Rights Act 2025, the new entitlement is designed to provide employees with a minimum level of protection during some life’s most difficult moments.
The right will apply following the death of a spouse or partner, parent, adult child or sibling. It will also extend to step-relatives, half-relatives, adoptive families, foster relationships and kinship care arrangements, reflecting the reality of modern family life.
Alongside this, women and their partners who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, including miscarriage, termination or unsuccessful IVF embryo transfer, will also be entitled to up to two weeks’ unpaid leave. The reforms have been widely welcomed as an important step towards ensuring employees are given the time and protection they need to grieve without unnecessary concern about their employment.
Our Head of Employment, Neha Thethi, comments on the new bereavement leave rights
“I welcome this long-awaited development. While many employers already offer compassionate leave, there has previously been no general statutory right to bereavement leave outside specific circumstances, such as parental bereavement.”
“Grief can affect every aspect of a person’s life, and employees should not have to worry about whether they will be allowed time away from work following the loss of a loved one. This new legislation provides much-needed certainty and protection for employees at a time when their focus should be on processing their loss and supporting their loved ones, not worrying about work.”
“Compassion and employment rights should go hand in hand. Establishing a day-one right to bereavement leave is an important step forward in recognising the impact that bereavement and pregnancy loss can have on individuals and families.”
While many employers already offer compassionate leave policies, the introduction of a statutory entitlement will create a consistent minimum level of protection for employees across the country, regardless of where they work. If you have concerns about your rights at work or require advice on an employment law matter, our specialist employment team may be able to help.
Contact our employment law solicitors today
If you have questions about the new bereavement leave rights, or if you are experiencing issues in the workplace, our specialist employment solicitors can provide expert advice and support. Call us free today on 0808 506 5496 or contact us for a call back.
