1st Special Report - Equality at work: Miscarriage and bereavement leave: Government Response

This is the government's response, published 24 March 2025.

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The Government "accepted the principle of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss" during the Employment Rights Bill Report Stage debate, but the response does not set out a statutory scheme or timetable.

• The Government "agrees that more can be done to support parents who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks" and recognises "the gap in support" for those who experience a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
• On the Committee's proposed amendments, the Department for Business and Trade "looks forward to further discussions with the Committee" on a statutory entitlement as the Bill moves to the House of Lords.
• On sick leave, the Government recognises that for many women the bereavement period "is not sick leave", but notes that Statutory Sick Pay can be used by those who are unwell due to symptoms related to pregnancy loss and unable to return to work.
• On promoting employer policies, the Government "will work with stakeholders such as CIPD, ACAS and TUC" to understand what can be done to highlight this work and "investigate where existing guidance can be strengthened further". No date is given.

Read the government's response ↗ Report an error