You receive the call. Your world stops. In the days that follow, between grief and arrangements, you remember work. You need time. But how much? Will you be paid? Can your employer say no?

For years, employees in the UK faced a patchwork of employer discretion when it came to bereavement leave. Some offered generous paid leave. Others offered nothing, leaving grieving staff to use annual leave or take unpaid time off during one of life’s most difficult moments.

But the law has changed. And many employees still don’t know the full extent of their rights.

This guide covers everything you need to know about bereavement leave in the UK—what you’re legally entitled to, when it’s paid, and the “secret” rights that many employers won’t volunteer but are required by law to provide. 

What Is Bereavement Leave?

Bereavement leave is time off work following the death of a loved one. It allows employees to grieve, attend funerals, handle legal and administrative matters, and support family members without the immediate pressure of work. 

In the UK, bereavement leave falls into two categories:

• Statutory bereavement leave – rights set out by law
• Contractual bereavement leave – rights set out in your employment contract (often called “compassionate leave” in the UK)

Many employees assume they have no legal right to time off after a death. This is not entirely true. While there is no general statutory right to paid bereavement leave for every situation, there are specific legal entitlements that apply to certain relationships—and a broader right to reasonable time off for emergencies.

UK Bereavement Leave: What the Law Actually Says

Let’s break down the legal framework. 

The Right to Time Off for Dependants

Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, all employees have the right to reasonable unpaid time off to deal with an emergency involving a dependant. This includes: 

• A spouse, partner, child, grandchild, or parent 
• Someone who lives in your household (not a tenant or boarder) 
• Someone who reasonably relies on you for care 

A death counts as an emergency. This means you have the right to take a reasonable time off to arrange the funeral, deal with the immediate aftermath, or make longer-term care arrangements for other dependants affected by the death. 

Important: This right is to unpaid leave. It covers the immediate period after the death—typically a few days to a week—not extended bereavement. 

Parental Bereavement Leave (Jack’s Law)

The most significant recent change is the Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay Act 2018, which came into full force in 2020. Under this law: 

• Employees who lose a child under 18, or experience a stillbirth after 24 weeks, are entitled to two weeks’ statutory bereavement leave
• This leave is paid at a statutory rate (£184.03 per week in 2026) or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower
• The leave can be taken as a single two-week block or as two separate one-week blocks within 56 weeks of the death

This is often called parental bereavement leave or “Jack’s Law,” named after Jack Herd, whose parents campaigned for the change after his stillbirth.

Bereavement Leave When a Parent Dies in the UK

This is where many employees are surprised. There is no statutory right to paid bereavement leave when a parent dies. 

You do have the right to reasonable unpaid time off for dependants under the Employment Rights Act—but this is for arranging the funeral and immediate matters, not extended leave. For a longer time off, you must rely on: 

• Your employer’s compassionate leave policy 
• Taking annual leave 
• Unpaid leave (with your employer’s agreement) 

However, the law does protect you from being fired for taking a reasonable time off in these circumstances. If your employer dismisses you for taking a few days to attend a parent’s funeral and decide, you will have strong grounds for an unfair dismissal claim. 

How Long Is Bereavement Leave in the UK?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The duration depends on: 

Many employers offer compassionate leave UK policies that are more generous than the law requires. Common examples:

• 3-5 days paid leave for immediate family (parent, spouse, child)
• 1-2 days paid leave for grandparents or siblings
• Additional unpaid leave at the manager’s discretion

Always check your employment contract or employee handbook. If nothing is stated, ask your HR department—many policies are unwritten but consistently applied. 

Is Bereavement Leave Paid?

The answer depends on the type of leave: 

• Statutory bereavement leave (parental bereavement): 

Yes, paid at £184.03 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings (whichever is lower). 

• Bereavement leave when a parent dies: 

Not automatically paid. You are entitled to unpaid time off for dependents. However, many employers choose to pay for this period under their compassionate leave policy. 

• Bereavement leave for grandparents or other relatives: 

No statutory right to paid leave. Again, many employers offer paid leave as a matter of policy. 

If your employer offers compassionate leave, it is typically paid at your normal salary for the agreed period. 

Bereavement Leave for Grandparents and Other Relatives

The law draws a clear distinction: 

• Parents and children: Stronger protections (unpaid time off for dependents; paid leave for child loss) 
• Grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins: No specific statutory right 

However, the right to time off for dependants can apply if the grandparent was a dependant—for example, if they lived with you or relied on you for care. In that case, you would have the right to reasonable unpaid time off to deal with the funeral and immediate matters.

For most employees, bereavement leave for a grandparent depends entirely on employer policy. It’s worth asking—many employers will grant 1-3 days of paid leave for grandparents, even if not contractually required. 

What to Do If Your Employer Refuses Bereavement Leave

If you’ve lost a close family member and your employer refuses a reasonable time off, you have options: 

1. Check your contract and handbook. Your employer may have a policy you’re unaware of. If it’s written, they must follow it. 
2. Remind them of the right to time off for dependants. For a parent, spouse, or child, you are entitled to reasonable unpaid time off to arrange the funeral and immediate matters. This is not discretionary—it’s law. 
3. For parental bereavement, cite the law. If you’ve lost a child, you are entitled to two weeks’ paid leave. Period. Employers cannot refuse. 
4. Raise a grievance. If your employer refuses without good reason, follow your organisation’s grievance procedure. Unreasonable refusal could constitute a breach of trust and confidence. 
5. Seek advice ACAS(Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) provides free, confidential advice on employment rights. Call their helpline for guidance. 

Final Thoughts

Bereavement leave in the UK is a mix of statutory rights and employer discretion. The law guarantees: 

• Reasonable unpaid time off for dependents (parents, spouses, children) 
• Two weeks’ paid parental bereavement leave for child loss 

Everything else—bereavement leave for grandparents, paid leave for parent death—depends on your employer’s compassionate leave policy. 

The “secret” that most employees don’t know? The right to unpaid time off for dependants applies immediately after a death, not just for the funeral. You are legally entitled to take a reasonable time to plan, support family, and begin the grieving process—without fear of being fired.

If your employer offers nothing beyond the legal minimum, consider asking for a policy review. Grief doesn’t follow a calendar, and compassionate workplaces recognise that.

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How long is bereavement leave in the UK for a parent? 

There is no statutory paid bereavement leave for a parent. However, you have the legal right to reasonable unpaid time off to deal with the funeral and immediate arrangements. 

Do you get paid for bereavement leave? 

It depends. Parental bereavement leave (following the death of a child) is paid at a statutory rate. For other bereavements, payment depends on your employer’s compassionate leave policy. You have a legal right to reasonable unpaid time off, but payment is not guaranteed. 

What is the difference between bereavement leave and compassionate leave? 

They are often used interchangeably. “Bereavement leave” typically refers specifically to time off following a death. “Compassionate leave” is a broader term that may include time off for caring for a seriously ill family member as well as bereavement.