How Do You Navigate Work After a Bereavement?

February 2025

Navigating Work After Bereavement: Your Rights and Entitlements

Losing a loved one is a difficult and emotional experience that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. In addition to coping with grief, you may find yourself facing the challenge of returning to work. The pressures of balancing your emotional needs with professional responsibilities can be daunting, but it’s important to know that you’re not alone – and that there are laws and resources in place to support you during this time.

In this blog, we’ll explore your entitlement to bereavement leave in the UK, how to communicate with your employer, and the options available to help you through this challenging period.

What is Bereavement Leave?

Bereavement leave is the time off work granted to an employee following the death of a close family member or loved one. It is intended to give you the opportunity to grieve, make funeral arrangements, and deal with any other responsibilities that may arise during this difficult time.

Bereavement Leave Entitlement in the UK

In the UK, there is no statutory bereavement leave entitlement for most employees, unlike maternity or sick leave. However, employees are entitled to a certain amount of time off under specific conditions. Here's what you need to know about bereavement leave entitlements:

Statutory Rights for Time Off: Employees are entitled to take time off under the Employment Rights Act 1996 for “dependants”. This means that you can take time off to deal with an emergency or unexpected event involving a dependant – including the death of a close family member. However, there is no set number of days you are legally entitled to; the leave duration depends on what is considered reasonable in the circumstances.
Funeral and Compassionate Leave: Many employers offer compassionate leave or paid leave for a few days following the death of a family member. The amount of time granted varies between employers, so it’s crucial to refer to your company’s policies or speak to your HR department. Some companies may offer paid leave, while others may provide unpaid leave or allow you to use your annual leave entitlement.
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) for Extended Grief Leave: If you are unable to return to work due to emotional distress or mental health issues such as depression, you may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP). Your GP may provide a fit note if you need an extended period off work. However, this will only be possible if you meet the SSP eligibility criteria.

What to Do When You Need Time Off for Bereavement

When a loved one dies, the last thing you want to worry about is managing your workplace responsibilities. Here's how to navigate the process:

Inform Your Employer Promptly: Notify your employer as soon as possible. You don’t have to go into great detail about your loss, but informing your employer allows them to make the necessary arrangements, whether that’s adjusting deadlines or finding temporary cover.
Understand Your Employer’s Bereavement Policy: Every company has different policies regarding time off for bereavement. Some may offer paid compassionate leave, while others may not. It’s important to understand your company’s leave policy and how it aligns with your needs.
Consider Flexible Work Arrangements: If you don’t feel ready to return to full-time work, discuss the possibility of flexible work arrangements with your employer. Some employers may allow you to work reduced hours, take additional time off as annual leave, or work remotely during this time.

How Long Can You Take Off Work?

As mentioned earlier, the duration of bereavement leave depends on both statutory guidelines and company policies. Some employers may offer a few days off, while others may allow a longer period of leave for bereavement, depending on the relationship between the deceased and the employee. It’s important to check your employer’s policies and see if they offer flexibility in extending leave if needed.

If you need to take more time off than your employer’s policy allows, you may be able to use your annual leave or unpaid leave. Additionally, you may be eligible for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) if your emotional distress or health affects your ability to work.

How to Cope with Grief at Work

Returning to work after losing a loved one can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you navigate the emotional and practical challenges:

Be Open About Your Grief: While it may feel uncomfortable, sharing your feelings with your colleagues or employer can help foster understanding. This may help ease the pressure of managing workloads while dealing with grief. Don’t be afraid to ask for support when you need it.
Seek Grief Support: You don’t have to go through grief alone. Bereavement support groups, like those offered by Sue Ryder, provide a safe space to talk with others who understand what you’re going through. Support doesn’t just end when you return to work, and many people find solace in professional grief counselling.
Give Yourself Permission to Take Time: Grief doesn’t have a set timeline, and everyone processes loss differently. Don’t rush your recovery. If you need to take additional time off, whether it’s for emotional support or simply to regain your strength, don’t hesitate to ask your employer for help.

Additional Resources for Bereavement Support

Aside from time off work, you may want to explore additional resources for bereavement support. Sue Ryder, a leading charity offering compassionate care and grief support, has a wealth of resources available to help individuals navigate life after loss.

If you’re struggling with grief or need support with navigating work after a loss, you can access Sue Ryder’s Grief Support Services for counselling, advice, and a range of resources to help you cope. More information can be found on their website here.

Conclusion

Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and while work may feel like the last thing on your mind, it’s important to understand your rights and entitlements when it comes to bereavement leave. Know that you have options for taking time off, whether that’s paid or unpaid, and that your employer should provide reasonable support during this difficult time. With the right understanding, communication, and support, you can take the time you need to grieve and return to work when you are ready.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Grief doesn’t have to be faced alone – support is available, and you deserve to receive the care and compassion you need.

Compassionate Leave: Your Rights and How to Navigate Work After Bereavement