We welcome this week’s news that the Irish Government has approved plans to introduce five days of paid miscarriage leave for women who experience pregnancy loss before 23 weeks’ gestation.
The proposed leave would be a day one employment right, while entitlement to statutory payment would require 13 weeks’ continuous service.
The Irish Government has also indicated it is considering extending leave to partners affected by pregnancy loss, and we hope to see this reflected in the final legislation.
The announcement follows recent progress in Northern Ireland, where those who experience a miscarriage, and their partners, are now entitled to two weeks of paid leave.
At Miscarriage UK, we welcome every step that acknowledges pregnancy loss and gives people the time and space they need to grieve and heal.
While the UK Government has committed to introducing bereavement leave for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks from 2027 following our Leave for Every Loss campaign, the current proposals are for unpaid leave. We continue to call on the Government to go further and ensure this leave is paid, so no one is forced to choose between taking the time they need after pregnancy loss and their financial security.
Our Leave for Every Loss campaign called for two weeks of paid bereavement leave for anyone affected by pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. We know from the thousands of people who shared their experiences with us that compassionate workplace support can make a profound difference at one of the most difficult times in someone’s life.
This week’s announcement from Ireland demonstrates that paid miscarriage leave is both possible and achievable. We urge the UK Government to build on its commitment and ensure that bereavement leave for pregnancy loss is paid, giving everyone the dignity, compassion and support they deserve.
For further information about supporting employees through pregnancy loss, visit our workplace hub.