There is no doubt that the Government's announcement of a new statutory right to bereavement leave should be welcomed.

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For too long, employees experiencing the death of a close family member or a miscarriage have had no legal right to take time off work. While many employers have offered leave in those circumstances, this is certainly not universal. From April 2027, workers will be entitled to up to two weeks' leave following the death of a spouse, partner, parent, adult child, sibling or certain equivalent family relationships. The new right will also cover pregnancy loss before 24 weeks and can be taken flexibly within a 56-week period. Employees will not be required to provide evidence of their loss.

Importantly, though, the new right is to unpaid leave, with employers left to determine what pay (if any) should be offered to grieving employees. As things stand, Parental Bereavement Leave, available where........

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