Changes in the law by way of the employment rights bill have ensured that mothers and their partners will be granted the right to two weeks of bereavement leave if they suffer a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks.
The bill is set to pass the final government stages next week.
While parents who suffer a loss of a child or pregnancy after 24 weeks already have the right to bereavement leave, the extension of this right to families who suffer the same before 24 weeks marks a massive achievement for George's Law Campaigner and solicitor at RWK Goodman, Keeley Lengthorn, who has been campaigning for the change tirelessly.
The news is an equal sign of success for Labour MP Sarah Owen, who has also been campaigning for the change. She chairs the Women and Equalities select committee, who revealed in a report released back in January that the argument for the extension was overwhelming.
Despite increasing numbers of organisations offering this leave as an extra employee benefit, the committee believes that it should be a universal right, given the significant impacts of a pregnancy loss.
According to the Guardian, around 250,000 expecting mothers in the UK suffer a miscarriage yearly, with between 10% and 20% of all pregnancies ending in early miscarriage within 12 weeks of gestation.
We are absolutely thrilled by this breaking news, knowing just how deeply it resonates with Keeley, who we worked closely with us in creating our Workplace Pregnancy Loss training to support George's Law. This moment proves that our united efforts to amplify this need for change has paid off. Seeing this breakthrough unfold fills us with immense pride and a profound sense of achievement.
Sustained workplace support for those returning after miscarriage must be the next priority. Employers have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to build on this progress and ensure compassion remain at the heart of their workplace.
