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Bereavement leave (for miscarriage or stillbirth)

What is bereavement leave?

Holidays Act 2003, ss 63, 69,70

Bereavement refers to feelings of grief and sadness following a death. “Bereavement leave” is a special type of paid leave that you can take if someone close to you dies. You can take bereavement leave if you have a miscarriage or stillbirth.

You are able to take a minimum of three days leave (if you’ve been working for 6 months). It does not have to be taken straight away or one day after the other.

This leave is to give you time to grieve and to take care of things to do with the bereavement like planning or going to a funeral.

See the “Employment conditions and protections” chapter in the Community Law Manual for more information on bereavement leave

Can my partner or the other parent take bereavement leave if I have a miscarriage or stillbirth?

Holidays Act 2003, ss 63, 69,70

Yes. They are also entitled to leave for a minimum of three days (if they’ve been working for 6 months).

Next Section | The other parent

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Pregnancy Rights

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