‘Two weeks will make such a difference’: UK first as NI brings in miscarriage leave

UK First as NI Introduces Two Weeks of Paid Leave for Miscarriage

Erin Sharkey, a volunteer with the Miscarriage Association, once faced the emotional toll of losing her baby, which brought both despair and uncertainty. Deciding how long to take time off work to cope with the grief was a challenge, especially when societal expectations pushed her to return quickly. Now, Northern Ireland has become the first region in the UK to offer a structured solution: two weeks of paid leave for both parents following a miscarriage, regardless of pregnancy stage.

“This provision will validate people’s emotions and allow them to process the loss together,” Sharkey said. She highlighted that while her employer supported her, she often felt societal pressure to resume her routine. “Miscarriages feel like all your dreams for a happy future collapse,” she added, emphasizing the need for shared time to grieve.

Policy Details and Scope

The leave is available at the statutory rate, which amounts to over £194 weekly or 90% of the parent’s weekly earnings, whichever is lower. It can be taken as a single block or split into two separate periods within 56 weeks of the miscarriage. No medical evidence is required—only a simple notification to the employer.

Contrast with the Rest of the UK

Before this change, Northern Ireland’s bereavement leave rules allowed parents to take two weeks of paid time off only after a stillbirth occurring at 24 weeks or later, with a minimum of 26 weeks of employment. This standard remains in place across England, Scotland, and Wales. However, the UK government plans to extend similar provisions to all regions by 2027, offering one week of unpaid leave following any miscarriage.

Support from the White Butterfly Foundation

Selina Casey, founder of the White Butterfly Foundation, described the policy as a “relationship savior.” She recounted losing her third child during a routine prenatal check, where she was told there was no fetal heartbeat. Three days later, she delivered her son and left with him in a casket, accompanied by a support group pamphlet. “It took five days for the grief to truly settle,” she said, noting the importance of shared time for healing.

“Allowing couples to grieve together is inherently therapeutic,” Casey explained. “They need each other during those early stages of loss.” Her foundation, based near Portglenone in County Antrim, includes a counselling room and tribute tiles for lost babies, such as Rebecca Hutchinson’s son Freddie, who was born in 2025.

Personal Accounts and Relief

Megan Crowe, a therapist at the charity, lost her baby at 12 weeks in 2020. “Two weeks of leave would let people take control of their grief journey,” she stated, contrasting with previous practices where no formal provisions existed. “Without support, we risk falling back into old habits.” Rebecca Hutchinson, who also lost her child at 20 weeks, echoed this, saying the leave would “make such a difference” in her experience. “The time between my labour and Freddie’s funeral was just a week, and the shock hit later,” she recalled.

“Having two weeks to process the loss will help parents feel supported early on,” Crowe added. “It’s not just about time off—it’s about being present for each other.”

Looking Ahead to 2027

Victoria Wylie, who experienced a miscarriage, described the new policy as a turning point. “This change will reshape how people approach grief,” she said, though her statement cuts off mid-sentence. For many, the two-week leave represents a critical step toward recognizing the emotional impact of miscarriage and ensuring both parents can navigate it with solidarity.