Select Committee · Women and Equalities Committee

Equality at work: miscarriage and bereavement leave

Status: Closed Opened: 29 Oct 2024 Closed: 3 Sep 2025 2 recommendations 2 conclusions 1 report

The Committee will hear evidence from charities, researchers, HR professionals, employers and trade unions about workplace support for women and their partners who experience miscarriage and pregnancy loss. This will include examining the case for extending eligibility for parental bereavement leave.

Clear

Reports

1 report
Title HC No. Published Items Response
2nd Report - Equality at work: Miscarriage and bereavement … HC 335 15 Jan 2025 4 Responded

Recommendations & Conclusions

1 item
48 Conclusion 2nd Report - Equality at work: Miscarri… Rejected

Substantial gaps in employer pregnancy loss provision necessitate a minimum legal standard for paid leave

conclusion While there have been incremental improvements in recent years, substantial gaps in employer-led provision remain. The case for a minimum standard in law is overwhelming. A period of paid bereavement leave should be available to all women and partners who experience a pre-24-week pregnancy loss. 17

Government response. The government acknowledges the insensitivity of classifying miscarriage bereavement as sick leave but argues that Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and existing ACAS guidance are available and appropriate, effectively declining to commit to a new minimum legal standard for paid bereavement …
Government Equalities Office

Oral evidence sessions

1 session
Date Witnesses
27 Nov 2024 Dr Jessica Farren · University College London Hospitals, Munira Oza · Ectopic Pregnancy Trust, Nicole Basra · Dentsu International, Rachel Suff · Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), Rhea Wolfson · GMB Union, Thomas Simons · NHS England, Vicki Robinson · The Miscarriage Association View ↗

Correspondence

1 letter
DateDirectionTitle
8 Jan 2025 Correspondence from the Chief HR and OD Officer and Deputy National People Dire…