In January 2025, The UK Government brought in changes to give parents new rights to spend time with, and look after, their new born babies that needed intensive care following the birth.
The new laws are expected to benefit around 60,000 new parents.
We look at how this is likely to impact new parents and businesses from 6th April 2025.
From 6th April 2025, new parents will be able to take paid leave to look after and be with their babies should they need intensive care following birth.
This will be a right from day one of employment.
These changes have been brought in so that families do not have to choose between working and spending time with their critically ill or sick children.
The Government expects this to address the problems that families have to endure with today’s rules on neonatal care.
Neonatal Care Leave will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old and have a continuous stay in hospital of 7 full days or longer.
These new statutory rights will allow eligible parents to take a maximum of 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay) in addition to any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.
The government has agreed to regulations to implement the change, which will take effect on 6 April 2025 and follow the passing of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act in 2023.
This measure comes alongside the Employment Rights Bill and further clarifies the government’s commitment to supporting families and protecting pay of working people as part of the Plan for Change.
The Neonatal Care Leave and Pay Policy is one of a series of new statutory measures designed to enhance and protect working families.
Its effect on businesses remains to be seen and will depend on how many employees are unfortunate enough to suffer neonatal issues.
Where an employer does have an employee who calls on this right, the effect could be significant.
If you need help or advice in this matter, please email jon@hrsmartuk.com or call 01903 754107.
