The UK government has confirmed a new day-one statutory right to bereavement leave for workers, set to take effect in April 2027. Employees who lose a spouse, partner, parent, adult child or sibling will be able to take leave within 56 weeks of the loss, from their very first day of employment.

The right covers step, half, adoptive, foster and kinship relationships, the government said. Workers who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, through miscarriage, termination or an unsuccessful IVF embryo transfer, will get up to two weeks of unpaid leave, taken flexibly across 56 weeks. Partners, co-parents, the other biological parent and intended surrogacy parents are also covered, and employers may not demand evidence.

The changes are part of the Employment Rights Act 2025, known as the Make Work Pay reforms. Employment Minister Kate Dearden said: “No one should have to fight for time to grieve.”

With the rules starting in April 2027, employers have months to prepare. Officials say guidance for businesses will be published ahead of the launch date.