Great Britain to give employees leave after an unsuccessful IVF embryo transfer

IVF.net Newsdesk

Progress Educational Trust

03 October 2026

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[BioNews, London]

Employees in Great Britain will gain a legal right to leave after pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, the UK Government announced on 22 September. Its announcement defines pregnancy loss to include miscarriage, termination and unsuccessful IVF embryo transfers. GOV.UK

The Government says the changes will be made by secondary legislation next year and take effect in April 2027. BioNews notes that the expansion of bereavement leave was part of the Employment Rights Act 2025. The new right applies to Great Britain, so it does not cover Northern Ireland. BioNews

Employees will be entitled to up to two weeks of unpaid leave. It can be taken flexibly at any point within 56 weeks of the loss, including as single days. Leave taken in the first eight weeks needs only notice "as soon as is reasonably practicable". The Government states that "no one will be asked or required to provide evidence of their loss". GOV.UK

According to BioNews, the right also covers the partner, the other biological parent and intended parents in a surrogacy arrangement. Failed IUI, and IVF cycles that end before an embryo is transferred, fall outside the new right, although BioNews reports the Government recognises that these losses may also bring grief. BioNews

"No one should have to fight for time to grieve," said Kate Dearden, Minister for the Future of Work. Vicki Robinson, Chief Executive of Miscarriage UK, welcomed the announcement that the leave "will become law in April 2027". GOV.UK

From April 2027, employment law in Great Britain will recognise an unsuccessful transfer as a loss in its own right. Because no evidence is required, patients should not need a letter from their clinic, though some may still ask for one. Patient information and post-transfer support should mention the new right and where its boundaries lie, including that it does not extend to Northern Ireland. Clinics are also employers, so HR policies for staff going through treatment will need updating too.