Northern Ireland Pioneers Paid Miscarriage Leave Across the UK

Landmark Miscarriage Leave Introduced

Northern Ireland has implemented a pioneering policy, making it the first region in the UK to offer two weeks of paid leave for women and their partners after a miscarriage, regardless of the gestational stage. This significant change addresses a long-standing gap in workplace support for an estimated 9,000 employees affected by miscarriage annually in Northern Ireland.

Previously, paid bereavement leave was only available following a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy, a standard that remains in place across England, Scotland, and Wales. While the Westminster government plans to introduce a right to one week of unpaid leave for miscarriages in 2027, Northern Ireland's provision sets a new precedent for compassionate workplace practices.

Crucial Time for Grieving and Healing

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, parents are not required to provide medical evidence, only to inform their employer.

Erin Sharkey, a volunteer with the Miscarriage Association, shared her personal experience, highlighting the immense pressure to return to work despite profound loss. She emphasised that this policy will provide "validation for their feelings, and time to process the loss together."

Psychotherapist Selina Casey, founder of the White Butterfly Foundation, a baby loss counselling charity, underscored the therapeutic benefits of the leave. She believes it will "save relationships" by allowing couples essential time to grieve together, reducing the immense strain miscarriage can place on partnerships. The charity's therapist, Megan Crowe, added that the leave offers individuals the opportunity to "take control of what they want for their own journey" rather than immediately reverting to pre-loss routines.

The economic minister, Caoimhe Archibald, stated, "Miscarriage is a very personal and profound loss. It's important that women and their families are supported through such a difficult period, and that they get support in their workplace." This progressive policy ensures that, from their first day of employment, all parents in Northern Ireland will now have the statutory support needed during one of life's most challenging experiences.