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ARTICLE · 10 APRIL 2026

Bereavement Leave For Parents

Lewis Silkin
Lewis Silkin
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Lewis Silkin

Lewis Silkin

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Working parents who lose a child under the age of 18 or have a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy have the right to take two weeks' paid bereavement leave. This is called parental bereavement leave and pay.

United KingdomEmployment and HR
Lucy Lewis
Lucy Lewis
Helen Coombes
Helen Coombes
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Working parents who lose a child under the age of 18 or have a baby stillborn after 24 weeks of pregnancy have the right to take two weeks' paid bereavement leave. This is called parental bereavement leave and pay.

Partners can also take up to 52 weeks of paternity leave if the mother dies in the first year of a child's life (or within 52 weeks of an adoption placement). This is called paternity bereavement leave.

This Inbrief summarises the rights, the notice requirements and the practical implications for employers.

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