New right to bereavement leave to cover step and half relatives
Summary
Starting in April next year, workers in Great Britain will have a legal right to take up to two weeks of unpaid leave after losing close family members, including step, half, foster, adoptive, and kinship relatives. This new policy also covers pregnancy losses like miscarriage and allows flexible timing for taking the leave within 56 weeks after the loss.Key Facts
- Employees can take up to two weeks of unpaid bereavement leave for losing a spouse, partner, parent, adult child, or sibling.
- The leave also applies to step, half, adoptive, foster, and kinship care family members.
- The law includes pregnancy loss such as miscarriage, termination, and unsuccessful IVF embryo transfers.
- Biological, intended, and surrogacy parents are covered by the new rights.
- Bereavement leave can be taken flexibly within 56 weeks of the loss.
- The Employment Rights Act became law in December 2025, establishing these rights.
- The government aims to provide a legal "safety net" beyond employer discretion.
- Charities support the new rights but suggest the leave should be paid to help with financial impacts.
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