Official Government Responses
As part of our petition campaign for statutory bereavement leave in the UK, we received two formal responses from Government officials. These statements outline where bereavement leave currently stands and what might come next. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.
In March 2025, the first official response came from Justin Madders MP, Minister for Employment Rights through our Founder Alice’s MP, Caroline Nokes. This letter acknowledged our petition and confirmed that the Government intends to introduce a day one right to Bereavement Leave through the Employment Rights Bill. This would provide a legal baseline for time off, particularly for those who may not otherwise receive leave from their employer. However, the letter made clear that decisions around pay and length of leave would remain at the discretion of individual employers. The response also pointed to existing ACAS guidance and encouraged employers to show compassion.
In May 2025, we received a second response following a direct letter sent by Alice to the Department for Business and Trade. This reply echoed much of the March message, but came with a more engaged tone and clearer emphasis on next steps. It outlined plans for a wide consultation process to ensure the new entitlement is informed by a broad range of views, including those of employees and employers. It also highlighted the potential for new legislation to guide workplace policy and improve support for those who are grieving.
While the second letter did not confirm any additional rights or commitments, it did reflect a stronger recognition of the issue and a clearer sense that the Government is listening. The shift in tone may seem small, but in a campaign like this, those moments matter. They show that stories are being heard and that the case for change is growing harder to ignore.
We welcome the introduction of a statutory right to bereavement leave, but we remain clear that this must go further. Grief is not a luxury, and time off to process it should not be left to chance. Our goal remains the same: to secure protected, paid leave for everyone experiencing bereavement, not just those whose employers happen to offer it.
As the Government moves into consultation, Time to Grieve will continue to push for a policy that reflects the real needs of real people. We will be gathering voices, sharing stories and working to ensure that the outcome is one of meaningful progress.
Thank you to everyone who supported the petition and continues to walk with us. This is only the beginning.
You can read the responses in full below.
