Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Bill

Key Points

• Establishes a statutory entitlement to bereavement leave for employees following the death of a close family member.
• Provides for pay during bereavement leave (the specific rate/amount to be set out in the law).
• Creates a minimum, standardised entitlement across employers rather than relying on company policies.
• The bill has seen a first reading in 2021 and a second reading in 2022 in the House of Commons; it is currently at the 2nd reading stage.
• If enacted, employers would need to adapt policies and payroll to comply with the new entitlement.

Progress

The bill is at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons. It originated in the Commons and, after the 2nd reading, would typically move to committee stage for detailed scrutiny, if it progresses further.