The Government has published a consultation on the Employment Rights Bill’s provision for a new day-one right to unpaid Bereavement Leave for employees who experience the loss of a loved one, including pregnancy loss before 24 weeks. 

The Bill already sets out the central features of the new right. However, much of the detail as to how it will operate will be left to secondary legislation which will be informed in part by responses to the Government’s consultation. 

The consultation is split into three parts. First, it considers the eligibility criteria for Bereavement Leave, seeking views, for example, on what relationships between the employee and person who has died should qualify, and whether leave for pregnancy loss should be limited to specific people or specific types of loss.  

Second, the consultation explores when and how Bereavement Leave should be taken so as to balance adequately the need to support the bereaved person with the need to minimise harmful impacts on a business. It seeks views, for example, on how long the leave should be, including whether the length of time might vary depending on the nature of the relationship that the employee had to the deceased person. It also addresses when the entitlement for leave should begin, whether it must be taken in one continuous block, and the length of the window for taking leave. 

Finally, the consultation addresses the practicalities of matters such as whether an employee should be required to provide their employer with notice or evidence in order to take Bereavement Leave. 

The consultation closes on 15 January 2026 and can be read in full here.