UK to expand leave policy to cover miscarriages

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Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said she is proud that the government is introducing protected time off work for pregnancy loss.

“No one who is going through the heartbreak of pregnancy loss should have to go back to work before they are ready,” Rayner said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Miscarriage Association and neonatal death charity Sands said they welcome the proposed expansion of the bereavement leave.

“This is a hugely important step that acknowledges the often very significant impact of pre-24-week loss, not only for those experiencing the physical loss, but for their partners, too,” said Vicki Robinson, CEO of the Miscarriage Association, in a statement.

Dr. Clea Harmer, Chief Executive of Sands, added that statutory leave for employees after pregnancy and baby loss will help give them the time they need.