The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill
Parents are set to gain new employment rights as The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Bill, introduced by Stuart C McDonald MP, gained Royal Assent on 24 May meaning it is now law.The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act will allow parents whose newborn baby is admitted to neonatal care to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave, in addition to other leave entitlements such as maternity and paternity leave. This provides vital time with their babies if they are born premature or sick without the worry of returning to work.
There is however, qualifying criteria to meet, which include being an employee and meeting the minimum and service requirements. The length of leave and statutory neonatal pay will be based on how long the baby receives neonatal care for and will only apply if the baby receives neonatal care for more than seven continuous days before they reach 28 days old.
Unfortunately, the implementation of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act is estimated to be in April 2025 but the wheels are in motion for this important law to be regulatory for the employees who need it in desperately worrying times.