Policy

Parental and paternity bereavement leave policy

We recognise that, the death of your child, or mother or primary adopter of your child are among the most devastating events that a member of staff can ever face, and we aim to support staff through this difficult time

Updated on 6 April 2026

  1. Policy Statement

The University is committed to supporting staff, as much as possible, throughout difficult times in their lives. Employees who suffer the loss of their child, or their partner (the mother or Primary Adopter), are entitled to take leave from the first day of employment with the University, under the Parental Bereavement (Pay and Leave) Act (2020) and Bereaved Partners Paternity Leave Regulations 2026.

  1. Scope

The policy applies to staff who have suffered the loss of a child (under 18 years of age), including stillbirth after 24 weeks of pregnancy, on or after 1 April 2020. It also applies to staff who have suffered the loss of a partner (Mother or Adopter) on or after 6 April 2026 and is in addition to any leave a member of staff may be eligible for under the University’s Compassionate Leave (bereavement).

  1. Definitions

  • Stillbirth: Birth after 24 weeks with no signs of life (breathing, heart rate, or movement).
  • Adopters: a person who legally takes another's child and brings it up as their own.
  • Foster Carers: provide safe and stable homes for children who cannot live with their birth families, either on a temporary or long-term basis.
  • Legal Guardians: a person appointed by a court or designated in a will to take legal responsibility for an individual unable to care for themselves.
  • Bereaved Partners Paternity Leave (link): new legislation where partners can take up to 52 weeks of unpaid leave if the mother or primary adopter dies within the first year of the child's life or adoption.

  1. Leave

Parental bereavement

A bereaved parent can take one to two-weeks leave. Leave can be taken in one block of two weeks or in two separate blocks of one week and can be taken at any point within 56-weeks of the child’s death. This leave is paid at and enhanced occupational rate (i.e. normal pay) as opposed to at the statutory level.  

Primary carers, not just parents, will be entitled to time off work. This includes adopters, foster parents and legal guardians as well close relatives or family friends who have taken responsibility for the child’s care in the absence of parents. 

Bereaved partner’s paternity leave

A bereaved partner can take one to 52-weeks unpaid leave. Leave must be taken in one block where the child’s mother or primary carer has died within 52 weeks of the child’s birth or adoption. This leave is available from the first day of employment.

If the bereavement occurs within 13 days of the end of the 52-week window, staff may still be eligible to take up to 14 days’ leave.

To be eligible for this leave staff must be the child’s father or be married/ have a civil partnership with the child’s mother/ primary adopter and have the main responsibility for the upbringing of the child. 

Further information can be found in our Parental and paternity bereavement leave guide on our SharePoint site.

  1. Additional Information

Document information

Policy Name Parental and Paternity Bereavement Leave Policy
Owner People Directorate
Approved by LJC PODCo
Last reviewed 2026
Review date 2029

 

Downloads

Enquiries

People Support team

[email protected]
From People
Corporate information category Absences and related, Work/life balance