Following the passing of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act in 2023, the Government has confirmed that, subject to Parliamentary approval, a day one right to neonatal leave for working families with babies in neonatal care will be introduced from 6 April 2025.
Neonatal Care Leave will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old and who have a continuous stay in hospital of 7 full days or longer.
The new legislation will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, such as maternity and paternity leave. As well as the leave entitlement, Statutory Neonatal Care Pay will be available to those who meet continuity of service requirements and the minimum earnings threshold.
These measures aim to address some of the difficulties that thousands of parents face when their newborn is in neonatal care and they have no choice but to return to work during an incredibly traumatic and stressful time. The new law will provide families with much needed time at home to recover from trauma and care for their newborn with less financial pressure or the requirement to return to work too soon.
If you have any questions relating to Neonatal Leave please contact our Employment Team on 0345 646 0406 or fill in our online enquiry form and a member of our Team will be in touch.