Jessica BirdThe Government has today (20th January 2025) confirmed new rights to neonatal care leave and pay will come into effect from 6th April, expected to benefit around 60,000 new parents.
The measures aim to ensure employed parents can focus on supporting their new family without worrying about choosing between keeping their job and spending time with their baby.
Working parents with babies in neonatal care will be entitled to additional time off as a day one right.
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 seven full days or longer.
These measures will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave – and, if eligible, pay – on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.
The Government has now laid out regulations to implement the change.
Subject to Parliamentary approval, the changes will take effect from 6th April, following the passing of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act in 2023.
This measure comes alongside the Employment Rights Bill, as part of the Government’s Plan for Change.
Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said: “Parents of children in neonatal care have more than enough to worry about without being concerned about how much annual leave they have left or whether they’ll be able to make ends meet.
“This entitlement will deliver certainty to them and their employers, setting baseline protections that give them the peace of mind to look after the one thing that matters most – their newborn baby.”
Catriona Ogilvy, founder of The Smallest Things, said: “The Smallest Things is delighted to see Neonatal Leave and Pay move one step closer to being available to thousands of parents whose babies are born sick or premature.
“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.”
