Northern Ireland becomes first region in the UK to provide paid leave to parents affected by miscarriage
Northern Ireland has become the first region in the UK to provide paid leave to parents affected by miscarriage.
As of April 6, new miscarriage leave and pay entitlements are now in place, aimed at making “a meaningful difference” to those affected.
It is estimated that over 9,000 people each year in Northern Ireland are affected by a miscarriage, either experienced by them or their partner.
The new regulations build on the Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Act passed by the Assembly in 2022. That legislation gave working parents the right to two weeks of paid leave following the death of a child under 18, or a stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy.
The new regulations will extend statutory Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay to workers after a miscarriage. The entitlement will also apply to the other affected parents and partners.
Northern Ireland is now the only region in the UK to provide Paid Bereavement Leave and Pay to parents who suffer pregnancy loss through miscarriage.
The regulations also make Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay a day-one right for workers, abolishing the qualifying period of 26 weeks of continuous employment.
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said parents who suffer the loss of a child should be treated with care and compassion.
"These new rights allow women who experience miscarriage and their partner to take up to two weeks of paid leave to grieve and to support each other during a very difficult time.
" I welcome the Assembly’s approval of these regulations, which will make a meaningful difference to many women and families across the north.”
Clea Harmer, chief executive of pregnancy and baby loss charity Sands said: "The introduction of Miscarriage Leave in Northern Ireland is simply the right thing to do and is a big moment for anyone affected by pregnancy loss who will now have vital paid time to recover, knowing they will be treated with compassion and given time to grieve.
"Sadly, it also means parents affected by pregnancy loss in the rest of the UK are missing out. All bereaved parents must be entitled to the same paid leave, no matter their experience or where they live. We urge the UK government to give all bereaved parents in England, Wales and Scotland the right to at least two weeks paid leave after pregnancy loss.
"Paid leave should be part of a package of support that employers offer to ensure the safety and wellbeing of bereaved employees. This includes having pregnancy and baby loss policies in place, and training for managers and staff on how to support colleagues returning to work. No bereaved parent should have to return to work before they're ready.
"Sands is committed to working with employers to remove barriers for colleagues returning to work following pregnancy or baby loss. The charity offers bereavement in the workplace training for any employer."
The Department for the Economy said the policy and regulations require only a declaration of entitlement as requiring parents to provide medical evidence at such a distressing time would be insensitive, and would add an administrative burden to the already stretched health service.