On 22 September 2026, the government published its response to the consultation on bereavement leave which confirms that:
- Eligibility. General bereavement leave will be a day-one right and extended to cover the death of a spouse, civil partner, partner (co-habiting or non-cohabiting in a committed long-term relationship), parent (including the kinship carer or foster carer equivalent), adult child and sibling (including adoptive, step and half sibling). The death of extended family members, such as aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, grandchildren and in-laws, is not included. Parental bereavement leave will be extended to cover all types of pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, including IVF embryo transfer loss and terminations, and will be available to the pregnant person, the other parent or partner, an intended co-parent and the intended surrogate parents.
- Duration and timing. Employees will be able to take up to two weeks’ leave (pro rata) within 56 weeks of bereavement, in discontinuous single days, starting from the date of death, pregnancy loss, or date of knowledge.
- Notice and evidence requirements. For the first eight weeks of bereavement, notice should be provided before the employee starts work on the day they intend to take leave, or as soon as reasonably practicable. Thereafter, one week’s notice should be given. Any form of notice will be acceptable and no evidence will be required.
- Remuneration. Statutory bereavement leave will be unpaid, but the government encourages employers to go beyond the statutory minimum.
- Next steps. The government will bring the new entitlements into force in April 2027 and publish guidance for employers and employees detailing their rights and responsibilities.
