‘Two weeks will make such a difference’: UK first as NI brings in miscarriage leave

Two weeks will make such a difference’: UK first as NI brings in miscarriage leave

For Erin Sharkey, the emotional toll of miscarriages was once overwhelming, leaving her and her partner unsure how much time to dedicate to grieving. Now, as Northern Ireland becomes the first region in the UK to offer two weeks of paid leave for parents following a miscarriage at any stage of pregnancy, the policy provides a clearer path. Erin, a volunteer with the Miscarriage Association, emphasized the importance of this change, calling it a “validation of feelings” and a chance for couples to process their loss together.

Statutory support for parents

The new leave entitlement covers both mothers and fathers, offering paid time off at the statutory rate of over £194 per week or 90% of their weekly earnings, whichever is lower. It can be taken as a single block or split into two separate periods within 56 weeks of the miscarriage. Unlike previous rules, no medical documentation is required—only a statement from the employer about the circumstances.

“During the first few days, people were texting, saying they were thinking of me. But then that stopped. I thought I must have hit the point where people expect me to be OK.”

Before this shift, Northern Ireland allowed only two weeks of paid bereavement leave after a stillbirth at 24 weeks or later, provided the parent had worked for 26 weeks. The rest of the UK still follows that standard. However, the Westminster government is set to expand support in England, Scotland, and Wales starting in 2027, offering one week of unpaid leave following a miscarriage at any stage.

Impact on relationships and grief

Psychotherapist Selina Casey, founder of the White Butterfly Foundation, highlighted how the policy could “save relationships” by giving couples time to grieve collectively. She shared her personal experience of losing her third child in 2021, describing the moment she learned there was no heartbeat during a routine checkup. Three days later, she delivered her son and left with him in a “tiny casket and a leaflet for a support group,” heading straight to the graveyard for a burial.

“Then, five days on, that’s when I was able to start grieving.”

Megan Crowe, a therapist at the charity, recounted losing her baby at 12 weeks in 2020. “The two weeks of leave will give such an opportunity for people to take control of their journey,” she said, contrasting it with past situations where parents had to “fall back into the lifestyle of who they felt they were before the loss.”

“We were lucky because our employers were so understanding and gave us space—but that’s not always the case.”

Rebecca Hutchinson, who lost her son Freddie in 2025, described the rapid sequence of events as “chaotic.” After a 20-week scan showed all was well, she went into early labor a week later. Her baby was transferred to Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool for a post-mortem, and the funeral occurred exactly a week after the birth. “It took time for the shock to hit me,” she said, underscoring the need for structured time to mourn.

With the new leave policy, parents can now “be in the present moment to help them get support early,” as Megan Crowe noted. This change aims to normalize the grieving process and reduce the societal pressure to quickly return to routine after a loss.