Parents to receive day one right to neonatal care leave and pay

“The stress and trauma experienced by families during a neonatal stay cannot be underestimated. In an instant, their world is turned upside down.

“No parent or carer should be sitting beside an incubator worrying about pay or work.

“This much-needed additional leave and pay means parents and carers can be with their baby or babies in hospital.

“We know the journey doesn’t end when it’s time to go home.

“The new law will give families essential time at home to bond, begin to recover from trauma and to care for a fragile baby or babies without the pressure of finances or returning to work too soon.

“This legislation is long-overdue and The Smallest Things is overjoyed that – after tirelessly campaigning for 10 years to bring the power of parent voices to change-makers – we are finally on the brink of seeing this vital support become a reality.”

Caroline Lee-Davey, chief executive at Bliss, said: “At Bliss we know just how important it is that babies born premature or sick have both parents at their side in neonatal care during their challenging first weeks and months of life, playing a hands-on role in their care.

“By contrast, the lack of additional parental leave rights for parents to date has forced many to make the unimaginable choice to return to work in order to pay their bills while their baby is desperately ill in hospital.

“That is why Bliss is so proud to have led campaigning for the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave & Pay) Act, which will provide thousands of employed parents every year with the assurance that they can take the time to be with their sick baby when they need it most.

“We are delighted that the Act will be implemented from 6 April this year and look forward to working with the Government and employers to ensure that all parents who are eligible know about this new entitlement, as well as the wider information and support that they can access from Bliss throughout their neonatal journey.”