Parental Bereavement Leave

Check what the local law covers

Parental Bereavement Leave gives an eligible employee one or two weeks away from work after the death of a child under 18 or a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy. The weeks can be taken together or separately within 56 weeks. Leave is a day-one right in both Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland also covers specified pregnancy losses occurring or discovered on or after 6 April 2026 before 24 weeks. These include spontaneous miscarriage, certain medically necessary interventions for ectopic or molar pregnancy or fatal foetal anomaly, vanishing twin and loss after a confirmed IVF pregnancy. The nidirect guidance explains who qualifies, including defined partners and intended parents.

Give notice with as little friction as possible

In Great Britain, the notice rules allow notice before the employee would normally start work during the first eight weeks. From week nine to week 56, one week's notice is required. Northern Ireland uses the same two periods, but its current guidance also covers qualifying losses discovered later and starts the clock from the relevant death, loss or discovery date.

No death, stillbirth or pregnancy-loss evidence is required for leave. Ask only for the information needed to identify the entitlement, dates and relationship. A calm written confirmation is enough.

Keep leave and pay evidence separate

Statutory pay has its own earnings, notice and declaration rules. In Great Britain it retains a service condition. Northern Ireland's current scheme has no minimum service requirement for pay, although earnings and other conditions still apply. The GOV.UK claim guidance sets out the Great Britain distinction.

Future Great Britain bereavement rights are expected to cover pregnancy loss during 2027, but the detailed scope, timing and pay rules are not yet settled or in force. Do not promise that future right as current paid leave.