Thousands of families with babies in neonatal care will gain access to additional paid leave, ensuring parents can be with their children during hospital stays. The new measure, implemented from April 2025, will provide up to 12 weeks of leave on top of existing maternity and paternity leave for parents whose babies require continuous neonatal care for 7 days or longer.
Thousands families with babies in neonatal care will be entitled to additional time off as a day one right, the government has confirmed today.
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. These measures will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.
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. Alongside the leave entitlement, Statutory Neonatal Care Pay will be available to those who meet continuity of service requirements and a minimum earnings threshold.
"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.
NEONATAL CARE LEAVE PAY EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS PARENTS
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