The Junior Minister for Social Dialogue has announced that an amendment to employment legislation will come into force on the 1st of January 2026, introducing enhanced entitlements to bereavement leave for parents who suffer the loss of a child under the age of eighteen (18) years.
Under the current legal framework, entitlement to bereavement leave in such circumstances is limited to one or two days, depending on the sector in which the parent would be employed in. The forthcoming reform seeks to establish a uniform entitlement across all sector of employment, thereby ensuring equal treatment for all workers irrespective to their occupational category.
Pursuant to the new provisions, bereavement leave shall be granted for a period of seven (7) days to each parent concerned. The entitlement shall apply to both parents, including those forming part of same-sex couples.
The cost of bereavement leave shall be borne by the Government. During the period of leave full-time employees shall be entitled to receive their full salary, part-time employees shall receive payment on a pro-rata basis, and self-employed parents shall be entitled to a payment equivalent to the national median wage.
For more information you can contact one of our Team Members at Mifsud & Mifsud Advocates.
