Sands calls for miscarriage leave to be extended across England, Wales and Scotland

From Monday 6 April parents in Northern Ireland who experience miscarriage, or other forms of pregnancy loss at any stage, will be offered the same two weeks of protected leave and statutory pay already available to parents who lose a child under 18 or experience stillbirth.

The Northern Ireland Executive’s Department for the Economy has previously announced that this will become a day‑one entitlement from 6 April 2026.

Currently this right to Miscarriage Leave is not available to bereaved parents in England, Wales or Scotland.

Sands’ Chief Executive Clea Harmer said: “The introduction of Miscarriage Leave in Northern Ireland is simply the right thing to do and is a big moment for anyone affected by pregnancy loss who will now have vital paid time to recover, knowing they will be treated with compassion and given time to grieve.

“Sadly, it also means parents affected by pregnancy loss in the rest of the UK are missing out. All bereaved parents must be entitled to the same paid leave, no matter their experience or where they live. We urge the UK government to give all bereaved parents in England, Wales and Scotland the right to at least two weeks paid leave after pregnancy loss.

“Paid leave should be part of a package of support that employers offer to ensure the safety and wellbeing of bereaved employees. This includes having pregnancy and baby loss policies in place, and training for managers and staff on how to support colleagues returning to work. No bereaved parent should have to return to work before they’re ready.

“Sands is committed to working with employers to remove barriers for colleagues returning to work following pregnancy or baby loss. The charity offers bereavement in the workplace training for any employer.”

Source: Sands

Image: Canva

Staff Writer