Northern Ireland Introduces Pioneering Miscarriage Leave

Northern Ireland has implemented a new policy, making it the first region in the UK to offer two weeks of paid leave to both women and their partners after a miscarriage, regardless of the stage of pregnancy. This progressive step is designed to offer much-needed time for individuals and couples to grieve and process their loss, addressing a significant gap in workplace support.

Impact on Individuals and Couples

The new entitlement, paid at the statutory rate of just over £194 per week (or 90% of weekly pay if lower), can be taken as one continuous period or two separate weeks within 56 weeks of the miscarriage. Crucially, it does not require medical evidence, only notification to the employer. This contrasts with the rest of the UK, where paid bereavement leave is generally only available after a stillbirth at 24 weeks or later, and the Westminster government's plan for 2027 to introduce only one week of unpaid leave for miscarriage.

Erin Sharkey, a volunteer with the Miscarriage Association, shared her own experience of feeling societal pressure to return to work after her miscarriages. She believes this new provision will provide vital validation and reduce trauma, allowing couples to grieve together. Psychotherapist Selina Casey, founder of the White Butterfly Foundation, emphasised that this leave will “save relationships” by giving couples the necessary time to heal together during an incredibly difficult period.

Addressing a Critical Need

Estimates suggest that around 9,000 employees in Northern Ireland are affected by miscarriage annually. The Economy Minister, Caoimhe Archibald, underscored the profound personal nature of miscarriage, stating the importance of supporting women and their families through such a challenging time. The policy's cost to the devolved government is projected at £3.5 million annually, and parents are entitled to the leave from their first day of employment.

This initiative represents a significant advancement in recognising the emotional and physical impact of miscarriage, providing a framework for compassionate employer support across Northern Ireland.