The government confirmed that thousands of families who have babies receiving neonatal care are entitled to extra time off from day one.
The government has now laid the regulations for the implementation of the change. This will come into effect on 6 April 2025 if the Parliament approves it.
These measures are intended to help thousands of parents who have newborns in neonatal care.
Parents of newborn babies admitted to neonatal care for up to 28-days will be entitled to a Neonatal Care Leave if they have been in the hospital continuously for seven days.
The measures allow parents who are eligible to take up 12 weeks of leave, and if they qualify, receive a pay-out, in addition to any other leave to which they may be entitled, such as maternity or paternity leave.
Justin Madders, Minister of Employment Rights, said: “Parents with children in neonatal-care have enough to worry about before they even consider how much annual leave is left or if they will be able make ends meet.
This entitlement will give certainty to both them and their employer, establishing baseline protections which gives them peace of mind so they can focus on the most important thing – their new baby.
The Department for Business and Trade stated that the measure is part of the Employment Rights Bill and reflects the commitment made by the government to protect workers’ pay slips and support their families.
Along with the entitlement to leave, those who meet the requirements of continuity of service and minimum earnings will also be eligible for statutory neonatal pay.
Catriona Ogilvy is the founder of The Smallest Things charity. She said: “The Smallest Things are delighted that neonatal pay and leave will soon be available to thousands parents of babies born prematurely or sick.
The stress and trauma that families experience during a neonatal hospital stay is not to be underestimated. Their world can be turned upside down in an instant. Parents and caregivers should not be worried about work or money while sitting next to an incubator.
Parents and caregivers can now be present with their babies or babies in the hospital. The journey does not end at home. “The new law will allow families to spend time together at home, to begin the healing process after trauma, and to take care of a fragile child or babies without having to worry about finances or returning too soon to work.”
Caroline Lee-Davey is the chief executive of Bliss. She said, “At Bliss, we know how important it can be for both parents to play a hand-on role during a baby’s first months and weeks in neonatal hospital care. In contrast, parents who have not been granted additional parental leave are forced to work to pay bills and care for their sick baby in the hospital.
She said that she is looking forward to working with the government and employers to make sure that all parents who are eligible know about this new entitlement as well as Bliss’s wider support and information throughout their neonatal journey.
