‘Their loss matters and their baby matters’ – New support for grieving families highlighted during Baby Loss Awareness Week

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald is pictured with Louise Taylor, Founder of Little Forget Me Nots Trust, at an event in Lurgan to remember babies and children who have died.

Thursday 15 October 2026

Families affected by pregnancy and baby loss in Northern Ireland now have access to new workplace rights and formal recognition of their loss, following the introduction of two significant support measures earlier this year.

The changes include up to two weeks of miscarriage leave for eligible employees and a voluntary certificate recognising babies lost before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald highlighted the measures as Baby Loss Awareness Week draws to a close, following a remembrance event organised by the Little Forget Me Nots Trust.

New rights for working parents

Since April 2026, eligible employees who experience pregnancy loss before 24 weeks have had a day-one right to take up to two weeks of leave, with statutory pay available subject to eligibility.

The entitlement is intended to give parents time to grieve, recover and support one another without the immediate pressure of returning to work.

The day-one provision means qualifying employees do not have to complete a minimum period of employment before becoming entitled to the leave, although statutory pay remains subject to separate eligibility requirements.

Formal recognition of pregnancy loss

A second measure, the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme, was introduced in June 2026, offering families a voluntary way to formally acknowledge a baby lost before 24 weeks of pregnancy.

The scheme recognises the significance of pregnancy loss for families who wish to have a formal record of their baby.

Unlike the workplace entitlement, which provides practical support through time away from work, the certificate scheme focuses on recognition and remembrance.

Minister highlights importance of compassion

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said the measures represented an important step towards supporting families through an experience that can have a profound and lasting impact.

“Pregnancy and baby loss can have a profound and lasting impact. While no legislation or certificate can take away that grief, we can ensure that people are met with compassion, recognition and practical support when they need it most.

“That is why I was determined to introduce a day-one right to paid miscarriage leave. It means eligible working parents can take up to two weeks’ leave, giving them important time to grieve, recover and support one another without the added pressure of having to immediately return to work.

“The Baby Loss Certificate Scheme provides another important form of recognition, giving families who choose to apply a formal acknowledgement of a loss which is deeply personal and significant.”

The Minister also acknowledged the role of families, charities and campaigners in securing greater recognition and support.

“I want to thank the families, charities and campaigners who have helped bring about these changes, and organisations such as the Little Forget Me Nots Trust for the invaluable support they provide to families experiencing loss.”

A Wave of Light for babies and children remembered

The Minister joined bereaved families, loved ones and members of the wider community at an event organised by the Little Forget Me Nots Trust during Baby Loss Awareness Week.

The gathering included a Wave of Light ceremony, with personalised candles bearing the names of babies and children who have died lit in their memory, accompanied by live music.

The event provided an opportunity for families to remember their children together and highlighted the importance of acknowledging a grief that can often remain unspoken.

‘Their loss matters and their baby matters’

Louise Taylor, founder of the Little Forget Me Nots Trust, welcomed the progress being made while emphasising the need for greater understanding of pregnancy and baby loss.

“For too long, this has been a type of grief that, as a society, we have almost swept under the rug. Not because people don't care, but often because we simply don't know what to say or how to help.

“What has meant so much to us at Little Forget Me Nots Trust is the genuine compassion shown by each Minister who has taken the time to listen, understand and turn those conversations into meaningful action.

“These changes won't take away anyone's grief, but they do tell families that their loss matters and their baby matters.”

Ms Taylor said the remembrance ceremony reflected the personal experiences behind the campaign for better support.

“Our Wave of Light reminds us why this work is so important. Behind every candle is a baby or child who is deeply loved and remembered. There is still more to do, but it's equally important that we recognise the progress being made and thank those helping to make it happen.”

Support and recognition beyond awareness week

The introduction of miscarriage leave and the Baby Loss Certificate Scheme means families in Northern Ireland now have additional options for practical support and formal recognition following an early pregnancy loss.

For working parents, the leave entitlement offers time away from employment at a particularly difficult moment, while the certificate scheme gives families who wish to apply a way to acknowledge their baby.

As Baby Loss Awareness Week concludes, the message from bereaved families and those supporting them is that recognition matters beyond a single week of remembrance — and that the children they have lost remain an important part of their lives.