‘Two weeks will make such a difference’: UK first as NI brings in miscarriage leave
A New Step Forward: Northern Ireland Introduces Pioneering Miscarriage Leave Policy
Northern Ireland has taken a groundbreaking step by offering two weeks of paid time off for parents following a miscarriage, marking it as the first region in the UK to implement such a measure. This change aims to support couples in navigating the emotional impact of losing a child, providing them with dedicated time to heal and process their grief. For Erin Sharkey, a volunteer with the Miscarriage Association, the policy represents a crucial shift in societal support.
“Having two weeks of leave will give people the validation for their feelings and time to process the loss together,” Erin said. She described the previous pressure to return to work quickly, even as the emotional toll of miscarriage lingered. “During the first few days, people were texting, saying they were thinking of me. But then that stopped. I thought I must have hit the point where people expect me to be OK.”
Previously, Northern Ireland only allowed two weeks of paid bereavement leave for stillbirths after 24 weeks of pregnancy, provided the parent had been in their role for 26 weeks. This new policy expands eligibility to any stage of pregnancy, with no medical evidence required—just a simple notification to the employer. The leave is funded at the statutory rate of just over £194 per week, or 90% of the employee’s weekly salary, whichever is lower.
Stories of Grief and Support
Psychotherapist Selina Casey, founder of the White Butterfly Foundation, recounted her personal journey after losing her third child in 2021. During a routine check-up, she was told there was no fetal heartbeat, leading to an emergency delivery three days later. “I left the next day with him in a tiny casket and a leaflet for a support group,” she said, adding that the early stages of grief were overwhelming.
“Allowing couples time to spend grieving together after a loss is in itself extremely therapeutic,” Selina explained. “Couples need to hold each other in those early stages of grief.”
Megan Crowe, a therapist at the charity, shared her experience of a miscarriage at 12 weeks in 2020. “The two weeks of leave will give such an opportunity for people to take control of what they want for their own journey,” she said. “They can be in the present moment to help them get support early.”
A Community of Hope
The White Butterfly Foundation, based in Portglenone, County Antrim, features a counselling room and facilities adorned with dozens of hand-crafted ceramic tiles. Each tile holds a tribute to a lost baby, including Rebecca Hutchinson’s son Freddie, who was lost in 2025. “I had just been for my 20-week scan and all was looking well,” Rebecca recalled. “But a week later, I went into early labour, and Freddie was rushed to Alder Hey Hospital for a post-mortem examination.”
“The time between his birth and funeral was exactly a week, and the shock took a while to fully set in,” Rebecca said. “We were lucky because our employers were so understanding and gave us space—but that’s not always the case.”
Victoria Wylie, who experienced a miscarriage, emphasized the importance of this policy. “The fact that all parents are now entitled to two weeks’ leave, from day one, is amazing—it’ll make such a difference,” she added.
