New bereavement leave rules coming in April 2027
There are new bereavement leave rules coming in April 2027 Bereavement affects everyone differently, and employees need time and support to deal with loss. From April 2027, new statutory bereavement leave rights are expected to give eligible employees greater protection when they experience the loss of a loved one.Under the new rules, eligible employees will be entitled to a day one right of up to two weeks of unpaid bereavement leave following the loss of a loved one, regardless of how long they have worked for their employer.
The entitlement will cover the death of certain close family members, including parents, partners, adult children and siblings, as well as specified pregnancy losses before 24 weeks. Importantly, this will also include step, half, adoptive and kinship relationships. Leave will be available flexibly, allowing employees to take individual days within 56 weeks of the bereavement. These changes will introduce a clearer legal minimum, while giving employers an opportunity to review how they support their people during difficult times.
With the changes approaching, as an employer now is the time to:
• Review policies – make sure your compassionate leave policy meets the new requirements.
• Update your documentation – check contracts and employee handbooks.
• Support your managers – ensure they understand how to handle bereavement sensitively and ensure that they are confident what will happen during those two weeks.
• Check your processes – prepare HR and payroll systems for the new entitlement.
Our advice? Don’t leave it until April 2027. Start reviewing your policies now so your business is ready.