UK confirms new bereavement and pregnancy-loss leave rights from April 2027
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What happened
The UK government announced new statutory leave rights covering bereavement and pregnancy loss, with the new entitlement due to take effect in April 2027. The announcement sets a future legal obligation for employers across the UK economy.
Why it matters
The announcement turns a workplace-rights proposal into a confirmed policy change with a stated implementation date. Employers, advisers and payroll providers now have a defined basis for compliance planning, cost modelling and policy updates ahead of 2027.
The UK government confirmed on 22 September 2026 that new statutory bereavement and pregnancy-loss leave rights will apply across the economy from April 2027. The measure creates a new compliance and workforce-planning obligation for employers, with HR policy, payroll, manager training and budgeting work likely to begin well before commencement. For business leaders, the immediate question is not whether the rule exists but how quickly implementation guidance, cost assumptions and internal policy changes need to be locked in.
Watch for
Department for Business and Trade publication of draft employer guidance or consultation documents on the new leave rights by 2026-09-25 Acas statement on updated workplace guidance for bereavement and pregnancy-loss leave by 2026-09-25 CIPD release of employer implementation guidance or cost commentary by 2026-09-25 No HM Government publication of draft regulations or statutory guidance by 2026-09-25
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