Pregnancy loss, stillbirth and neonatal death leave

We support all employees who suffer the loss of a pregnancy, whether it happens directly to them, their partner or their baby’s surrogate mother, regardless of the nature of their loss, and whatever their length of service.

We recognise that pregnancy loss, whenever and however is happens, can be a bereavement, and can affect all perspective parents irrespective of sexual orientation and identity.

When we talk about pregnancy loss we are referring to, but not limited to:

• Miscarriage: the spontaneous loss of pregnancy until 24 weeks of gestation
• Stillbirth: the loss of a baby after 24 weeks, before or during birth
• Abortion or termination of pregnancy: a medical or surgical procedure to end a pregnancy
• Ectopic pregnancy: when a fertilised egg implants and grows outside of the uterus
• Molar pregnancy: a rare form of pregnancy in which a non-viable fertilised egg implants in the uterus and will fail to reach full term
• Embryo transfer loss: when an embryo transfer during fertility treatment doesn’t result in pregnancy
• Neonatal loss: the loss of a live-born baby within the first 28 days after birth, often caused by premature births or genetic disorders

Leave and pay  

Baby loss before the end of the 24th week of pregnancy  

If you experience pregnancy loss during the early stages of pregnancy, both partners can take 2 weeks’ bereavement leave. 

If you need more time off, you can speak to your manager about other options, such as taking dependants leave. If appropriate, your manager can book this leave on your behalf.

Emotional and physical recovery from a pregnancy loss does not have a time limit and you may find you need to take holiday or sickness leave immediately after your period of bereavement leave or at a later date after having returned to work. 

Baby loss after the 24th week of pregnancy, including stillbirth

If you experience pregnancy loss in the later stages of pregnancy, during birth or 28 days after birth, both parents of the child can take maternity leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave or paternity leave as planned.

After your maternity, shared parental leave, adoption or paternity leave ends, you may also be eligible for 2 weeks of parental bereavement leave.

If you need more time off, you can speak to your manager about other leave options, such as bereavement leave and compassionate leave. You may also choose to book annual leave. 

Baby loss within the first 28 days of life  

If your baby dies within the first 28 days of life, this is considered to be a neonatal death. If your baby was born alive, at any time during pregnancy, but did not survive, both parents of the child can take maternity leave, shared parental leave, adoption leave or paternity leave as planned.

You may also be eligible for 2 weeks' of parental bereavement leave. 

If you're a bereaved relative

If you’ve been affected as a relative, for example as a grandparent, you can request dependants leave to support your family. You will need to record this as 'dependant care emergency leave' in My Oracle. 

Booking leave 

Tell your manager as soon as you’re comfortable. You can ask a family member, friend or partner to contact your manager if you prefer. Managers will keep the news confidential and only share it with your permission.

If you are entitled to maternity leave, shared parental leave or adoption leave, your manager should let Payroll know that your leave start date has changed. This is to make sure you get paid the right amount.

Any other types of leave should be booked by your manager in My Oracle. 

Support for your return to work 

Reasonable adjustments 

Before you return to work, your manager should ask if you will need any workplace adjustments. For example, a phased return to work, earlier start and finish times, sensitive allocation of work tasks or projects, reducing your hours temporarily.  

Medical support whilst at work

If you are experiencing symptoms of pregnancy loss whilst in the office, please contact one of our trained first aiders. The details of your nearest first aider can be found on the Health and Safety notice boards or in County Hall you can contact Security.

If a first aider isn’t available, call the NHS 111 helpline for medical advice. If your symptoms are serious, call the 999 emergency services helpline

Counselling and emotional support

Whatever your situation and no matter what you’re feeling or going through, we offer a range of support options and can help you find someone you can talk to.

Pregnancy loss guide

You can find out more in our pregnancy loss guide (PDF, 99KB), which includes information about other organisations that offer help and advice.