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Written question asked by Tony Vaughan (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Monday, 1 June 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Bereavement Leave

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment has been made of the adequacy of the 26-week continuous employment threshold for eligibility for Statutory Parental Bereavement Pay under the Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018; and what steps they are taking to ensure that bereaved parents are able to access financial support during a period of bereavement leave, regardless of length of service with their current employer.

Answer

The 26-week continuous employment requirement is standard across parental pay entitlements. Where employees do not qualify, we encourage employers to provide additional support where possible.

Through the Parental Leave and Pay Review we are considering improvements to the system, including existing entitlements, to better support working families.

Bereaved parents may be able to get Universal Credit if on a low income or needing help with living costs. In some circumstances, a Universal Credit payment that would otherwise reduce or stop following bereavement, including the death of a child for whom an adult is responsible for, continues for a short time.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
2856
Session
2026-27
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Bereavement leave Statutory parental bereavement pay
Legislation
Parental Bereavement (Leave and Pay) Act 2018
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk