Overview
One in four pregnancies ends in loss, yet many workplaces remain unprepared to respond.
With upcoming changes to the Employment Rights Act introducing statutory bereavement leave for early pregnancy loss, organisations face both a legal requirement and a responsibility to respond with care, clarity and consistency.
This practical, research-informed workshop supports organisations to understand pregnancy loss and its impact at work, while preparing for legislative change. It provides clear guidance on employee rights, workplace responsibilities and how to respond appropriately when someone discloses a loss.
The session combines expert insight with practical application, helping you build confidence in handling sensitive conversations, reviewing policies and creating a more supportive workplace environment.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the impact of pregnancy loss on employees and the workplace
- Interpret current and upcoming legal requirements, including the Employment Rights Act changes
- Respond appropriately and sensitively to pregnancy loss disclosures
- Identify gaps in current policies and practices
- Take practical steps to create a more supportive and compliant workplace
Agenda
9:20
Registration, Welcome and Introduction
9:30
Pregnancy Loss: An Introduction
- Definition and types of pregnancy loss
- Prevalence, causes and risk factors
- Treatments and interventions
- Physical and psychological impact, including on partners
- Implications for the workplace
10:00
The Legal Landscape
- Overview of current employee rights
- The Employment Rights Act and pregnancy loss
- 2027 bereavement leave entitlement for pre-24-week loss
- Preparing for legislative change
- Moving beyond compliance
10:30
Break
10:50
Communication Skills: Responding to Disclosure
- What to say when someone discloses a loss
- What to avoid
- Managing difficult conversations
- Active listening and non-verbal communication
- Supporting colleagues over time
11:50
Break
12:10
Preparing Your Organisation
- Reviewing and updating policies
- Practical steps to improve workplace support
- Return-to-work considerations and reasonable adjustments
- Internal and external support options
- Individual application exercise
12:45
Q&A, Summary and Close
Course Instructor
Katy Katy Schnitzler
Course Director
Katy Schnitzler provides bespoke training, policy writing and support for organisations on the topics of pregnancy loss, infertility and childlessness. Her training and consultancy is academically-informed by Katy’s PhD research. Katy has worked with various organisations to improve practice in these prevalent and significant, yet often overlooked areas – including global energy companies, universities and The NHS. Katy is also an academic and specialises in Psychology, Research and Business. She has taught in Further and Higher Education for over 12 years, winning awards for her teaching.
Who should attend
This workshop is designed for anyone with responsibility for supporting employees, managing workplace policies, or responding to sensitive employee issues, including:
- HR professionals and people managers responsible for employee wellbeing and workplace policies
- Line managers and supervisors who may receive disclosures of pregnancy loss
- Employee relations specialists handling sensitive workplace situations
- Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) professionals seeking to create more inclusive workplace practices
- Wellbeing, mental health and occupational health practitioners
- Senior leaders responsible for workplace culture and employee support strategies
- Policy and compliance professionals preparing for changes under the Employment Rights Act
- Trade union representatives and employee advocates supporting affected colleagues
- Learning and development professionals involved in manager capability and awareness training
- Anyone involved in reviewing, implementing or communicating family-friendly workplace policies
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