Petition
Introduce a legal right to paid bereavement leave
Closed
3,101 signatures
What the petition asks
There is currently no legal right to paid bereavement leave (time off work when a loved one passes away) in the UK, except parental bereavement leave. Working parents who suffer the loss of a child are currently entitled to two weeks of statutory paid leave.
Although some work places do have a voluntary policy, the quality of these policies varies hugely and ultimately some employers do not have one.
Introducing a legal right to paid bereavement leave could give employees the right to much needed time off when a loved one passes away without the financial stress hanging over them at an already difficult time. Not having this time off when required can be hugely detrimental to people’s mental health at the time and later down the line. It would also put us in line with other countries such as France and Australia where these laws already exist.
Introducing a legal right to paid bereavement leave could give employees the right to much needed time off when a loved one passes away without the financial stress hanging over them at an already difficult time. Not having this time off when required can be hugely detrimental to people’s mental health at the time and later down the line. It would also put us in line with other countries such as France and Australia where these laws already exist.
Timeline
| 4 Dec 2024 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 4 Jun 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
3,101
Status
Closed
Opened
4 Dec 2024
Closed
4 Jun 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 30 Jul 2026.