Petition · Department for Business and Trade
Parental Bereavement Legislation on par with UK Maternity/Paternity Legislation
Open for signatures
29 signatures
What the petition asks
Every parent who loses a child should have the time and financial support to grieve — just as parents are supported when welcoming a child. UK law provides only 2 weeks statutory parental bereavement leave (often unpaid), leaving parents to return to work far too soon after unimaginable loss.
We call on the government to amend the law so all parents who lose a child, regardless of age, receive statutory leave and pay equal to maternity/paternity leave. This would give bereaved parents the time, dignity, and support they need to grieve.
Society recognises the birth of a child as life-changing — it must also recognise child loss as equally profound. In the UK, maternity leave can be up to 52 weeks, yet bereaved parents currently get only 2 weeks. This is not equality — it must change.
Society recognises the birth of a child as life-changing — it must also recognise child loss as equally profound. In the UK, maternity leave can be up to 52 weeks, yet bereaved parents currently get only 2 weeks. This is not equality — it must change.
Timeline
| 13 Feb 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
29
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Business and Trade
Opened
13 Feb 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.