New Entitlement to Neonatal Leave

The UK Government has introduced significant changes to neonatal care provisions, aimed at providing additional support to parents whose babies require extended hospital care after birth. These changes, set to take effect in April 2025, mark a significant step in improving family-friendly workplace rights and ensuring financial assistance during a critical time. The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 underpins these reforms, establishing new statutory entitlements for eligible parents.

Key Changes to Neonatal Care Leave and Pay

One of the most impactful changes introduced by the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 is the provision of neonatal care leave. This new right grants eligible employed parents up to 12 weeks of additional leave if their baby requires neonatal care. This leave is in addition to existing entitlements such as maternity, paternity, adoption, or shared parental leave. The aim is to alleviate the burden on parents who need to spend extended time in hospital with their newborns.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for neonatal care leave, a baby must be admitted to hospital within the first 28 days of birth and must remain in care for at least seven consecutive full days. Parents eligible for leave include birth parents, adoptive parents, and those in surrogacy arrangements.

Neonatal Care Pay

Employees who meet specific eligibility requirements will also be entitled to neonatal care pay. To qualify, an employee must have completed at least 26 weeks of continuous service with their employer and meet the minimum earnings threshold. The statutory neonatal care pay rate will be £187.18 per week or 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings (whichever is lower).

Implementation Timeline

The changes introduced by the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 will come into force on 6 April 2025. The new rights will apply across England, Scotland, and Wales. Employers are expected to update their policies and procedures accordingly before this date to ensure compliance with the new legislation.

Employment Protections

The new law ensures that employees taking neonatal care leave are protected from discrimination, unfair treatment, or dismissal as a result of taking this leave. These protections align with existing rights granted under other family-related leave policies.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 represents a significant step towards improving support for families during challenging times. By providing additional leave and financial assistance, the UK government aims to reduce the stress faced by parents with babies requiring neonatal care. As the April 2025 implementation date approaches, both employees and employers should prepare to embrace these positive changes that prioritise family well-being and workplace support.

If you have any questions or need further guidance on implementing these changes, please don’t hesitate to contact us at hr@skaltd.co.uk