Equality at work: miscarriage and bereavement leave

Women and Equalities Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 29 Oct 2024 Closed: 3 Sep 2025 Parliament page
The Committee will hear evidence from charities, researchers, HR professionals, employers and trade unions about workplace support for women and their partners who experience miscarriage and pregnancy loss. This will include examining the case for extending eligibility for parental bereavement leave. Read more
2 Recommendations
2 Conclusions
1 Report
1 Oral session
1 Letter
1 Event
Activity timeline 5 events
24 Mar
2025
Report published
15 Jan
2025
Report published
8 Jan
2025
Correspondence
27 Nov
2024
Oral evidence
27 Nov
2024
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Room 6, Palace of Westminster
Oral evidence sessions 1 session
27 Nov 2024
View on parliament.uk
Women and Equalities Committee
Dr Jessica Farren · University College London Hospitals Munira Oza · Ectopic Pregnancy Trust Nicole Basra · Dentsu International Rachel Suff · Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Rhea Wolfson · GMB Union Thomas Simons · NHS England Vicki Robinson · The Miscarriage Association
Title HC No. Published Items Response
2nd Report - Equality at work: Miscarriage and bereavement leave HC 335 15 Jan 2025 4 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
1 result
Clear
48 Conclusion Rejected
2nd Report - Equality at work: Mis…
Substantial gaps in employer pregnancy loss provision necessitate a minimum legal standard for paid leave
conclusion While there have been incremental improvements in recent years, substantial gaps in employer-led provision remain. The case for a minimum standard in law is overwhelming. A period of paid bereavement leave should be available to all women and partners … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the insensitivity of classifying miscarriage bereavement as sick leave but argues that Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and existing ACAS guidance are available and appropriate, effectively declining to commit to a new minimum legal standard for paid bereavement leave.
Government Equalities Office
View details
Government Response AI assessment · 4 of 2 classified
Accepted 1
Acknowledged 1
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 1
Total 2 recs + 2 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
8 Jan 2025 Correspondence from the Chief HR and OD Officer and Deputy National People Director: Equality at work: miscarriage and bereavement leave, dated 12 December 2024
Parliament page