Extension of Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay welcomed by Labour Relations Agency

The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) has welcomed new legislation extending statutory Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay to include miscarriage and early pregnancy loss, describing it as a significant step forward in supporting employees and strengthening workplace relations.

LRA is an independent, publicly funded body in Northern Ireland, focusing on improving workplace relations and supporting fair employment practice. It provides impartial advice and guidance to employers and employees, and helps resolve workplace disputes through conciliation, mediation and arbitration.

On April 6, 2026, the North became the first jurisdiction in the northern hemisphere to introduce these enhanced protections.

The new provisions will apply from day one of employment and will cover the pregnant woman and anyone with a defined connection to the pregnancy, including partners and intended parents.

To support organisations and individuals with these changes, the Agency has published resources online offering practical, accessible guidance on how the updated rights will operate in the workplace.

Mark McAllister, Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Agency, said: “We welcome these new parental bereavement leave provisions as a meaningful and compassionate step forward in Northern Ireland’s employment rights.

"By extending coverage to miscarriage and early pregnancy loss from day one, the legislation recognises the deeply personal impact of pregnancy loss, giving bereaved parents clearer protections, dignity and time to recover.

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"To help workplaces navigate these changes, the Agency has published a practical webinar blending legal clarity with a trauma-informed approach, alongside guidance for HR professionals, managers and business owners on how the new rights apply in practice.”

“The Labour Relations Agency is committed to supporting organisations in applying these rights with care and confidence. We encourage employers to review policies, train on compassionate communication, and avail of our updated webinar and FAQs to support positive employment relationships at what can be an extremely difficult time," said Mr McAllister.

For more information about Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay, including access to the webinar and FAQ resources, visit the Labour Relations Agency website: https://www.lra.org.uk/resources/webinar/new-parental-bereavement-leave-and-pay-webinar-and-frequently-asked-questions