Bereavement Leave Rights Expanded for Foster, Kinship, and Adoptive Families

A new UK law will significantly expand the scope of statutory bereavement leave, ensuring that a broader range of family structures and experiences of loss are recognised. The legislation, which recently received Royal Assent, extends eligibility beyond biological parents to include step-parents, half-siblings, and individuals in foster, kinship care, and adoptive relationships.

Furthermore, the new provisions will cover leave following early pregnancy loss, addressing a long-standing gap in support for families affected by such tragedies. This development marks the culmination of extensive campaigning efforts by various organisations and individuals who have highlighted the previous limitations of the law.

Previously, statutory bereavement leave was primarily restricted to the loss of a child or a parent. The updated framework acknowledges the diverse forms of family and the profound impact of loss across these relationships, aiming to provide more inclusive support for grieving individuals in the workplace.