Compassion at work: New statutory miscarriage leave and pay confirmed for Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is set to introduce statutory miscarriage leave and pay from April 2026, marking a significant extension of workplace protections for parents experiencing pregnancy loss.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has published the Department for the Economy’s consultation response on introducing statutory miscarriage leave and pay, confirming the creation of new legal rights for employees affected by miscarriage or other forms of pregnancy loss at any stage.

The move represents a key step in extending existing Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay provisions, which currently apply in cases of stillbirth and the death of a child under the age of 18.

Under the new framework, parents affected by miscarriage will be entitled to the same two weeks of protected leave and statutory pay.

From 6 April 2026, Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay will become a day-one entitlement, ensuring parents have immediate access to support without needing a qualifying period of employment.

The strengthened protection will apply consistently across cases of stillbirth, child death and miscarriage.

Two weeks’ paid leave for women and partners

Under the confirmed proposals, both the woman who experiences the miscarriage and her partner will be entitled to two weeks of paid leave, which can be taken either as a single two-week block or as two separate one-week periods.

The leave must be taken within 56 weeks of the miscarriage.

Statutory pay will be set at the prevailing statutory rate, confirmed as £194.32 per week from 6 April 2026.

Importantly, the consultation response confirms that employees will only be required to provide a simple declaration to their employer, with no personal medical evidence or sensitive information required — a measure designed to respect privacy and reduce additional distress at a difficult time.

Employers will be compensated for statutory payments in line with existing HMRC and National Insurance procedures, minimising the administrative and financial burden on businesses.

Consultation highlights need for compassion

The public consultation gathered views from bereaved parents, employers, trade unions, stakeholders and advocacy groups.

Responses highlighted the emotional impact of miscarriage and the need for consistent, compassionate workplace support, regardless of employer size or sector.

The Department’s response confirms its intention to legislate for statutory rights, ensuring a baseline level of protection for all affected employees, including those whose employers may not already offer enhanced compassionate leave policies.

Publishing the response, Dr Archibald said:

“Extending this right to women and their partners who experience miscarriage is a significant step in promoting compassion and understanding in the workplace.

“There is no hierarchy of bereavement. Miscarriage is a deeply personal loss, and these rights will ensure parents have the support and time they need to grieve and recover.”

She added:

“I thank all those who contributed to the consultation. Your input has helped shape a policy aimed at providing meaningful support to those affected.”

A landmark change in employment rights

The policy positions Northern Ireland as one of the first jurisdictions to provide statutory miscarriage leave as a standalone right, reflecting growing recognition of pregnancy loss as a significant bereavement rather than a private medical matter.

While many employers already offer discretionary compassionate leave, the new legislation will create a clear legal minimum, ensuring that support does not depend on workplace culture or individual management decisions.