Day-one entitlement to Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay
At present, employees typically need 26 weeks of continuous service to qualify for Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay. However, from 6 April 2026, this requirement will be removed in Northern Ireland. All eligible employees will have the right to receive this payment from their first day of employment.
To ensure fair access, entitlement can be based on either actual earnings or a reasonable estimate of expected earnings. This approach aims to ensure that no one is left without support during a time when compassion and understanding are vital.
Introduction of miscarriage leave eligibility
From April 2026, Northern Ireland will become the first region in the UK to introduce two weeks of statutory paid leave specifically for miscarriage. Previously, individuals who experienced a miscarriage before 24 weeks often had to rely on sick leave, annual leave, or employer discretion.
Under the new rules, employees who experience a miscarriage – whether due to natural causes or necessary medical intervention – will be entitled to Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay. This entitlement will also extend to partners or others with a recognised connection to the individual affected.
No requirement for medical evidence
As with existing bereavement provisions, employees will not be required to provide medical proof. Instead, a simple written self-declaration will suffice. This must confirm eligibility for the payment, along with basic details such as the claimant’s name and the date the miscarriage occurred or was identified.
Details of the entitlement
Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay covers miscarriage, stillbirth (from 24 weeks), and the death of a child under 18. From April 2026, the payment will be set at £194.32 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings – whichever is lower.
Parental Bereavement Leave remains at two weeks, which can be taken consecutively or as two separate one-week periods. Leave must be taken within 56 weeks of the loss.
Important points for employers
- Cases where entitlement arose before 6 April 2026 will continue under the current rules.
- The new miscarriage entitlement is not retrospective and will not apply to losses occurring before this date.
- All existing rights under Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay will fully apply to miscarriage cases where eligibility begins on or after 6 April 2026.