Northern Ireland is the first part of the UK to introduce paid miscarriage leave to parents

From Monday, April 6, for employees, there will be two weeks of statutory paid leave specifically for miscarriage, whether through spontaneous loss or medical interventions necessary for health reasons. This also applies to a partner.

The new Regulations make Parental Bereavement Leave and Pay a day-one right for workers, abolishing the qualifying period of 26 weeks of continuous employment.

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald said: "Parents who suffer the loss of a child should be treated with care and compassion. These new rights allow women who experience miscarriage and their partner to take up to two weeks of paid leave to grieve and to support each other during a very difficult time. I welcome the Assembly's approval of these Regulations, which will make a meaningful difference to many women and families across the north."

The two weeks of leave for a woman and her partner is paid at the statutory level of just more than £194 per week, or 90% of weekly pay if that's lower.

It is estimated that over 9000 people per year are affected by a miscarriage, either experienced by them or their partner.