Day One Right to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay

David Reid
Director
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Following the passing of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act back in May 2023, the Government Department for Business and Trade has, this week, confirmed that the new right to neonatal care leave and pay will come into effect from 6 April 2025.

This new day-one entitlement will apply to parents of, and those with other parental relationships (as defined) with, a baby receiving neonatal care.

The Government has said that the new right “aim[s] to address some of the difficulties that thousands of parents face while their baby is in neonatal care” by “providing the support families need to allow them to be by their child’s side without having to work throughout or use up their existing leave”.

Parents will be eligible for the new neonatal care leave where the baby is admitted into neonatal care within 28 days of birth and remains in hospital for 7 full days or more.

Eligible parents will be entitled to take up to 12 weeks of neonatal care leave (and, if eligible, pay), in addition to any other forms of family leave to which they may be entitled.

If you would like to read the full press release from the Department for Business and Trade, it can be accessed here.

If you have any questions about the new rights, or if we can provide support or assistance on any other employment law matter, please do not hesitate to contact a member of the team on 0141 331 5150.

Topics: Neonatal Care Leave