Thousands of working families with babies in neonatal care will soon benefit from additional time off as a day one right, following the UK Government’s confirmation of new measures set to take effect from 6 April 2025.

The introduction of Neonatal Care Leave and Pay will provide parents with up to 12 weeks of additional leave (and pay for those eligible), ensuring they can focus on their baby’s care without financial worry. This entitlement applies to parents of babies admitted into neonatal care within 28 days of birth, who have a continuous hospital stay of seven full days or more. The move is expected to benefit around 60,000 families each year.

Supporting Families in Difficult Times

Currently, many parents are forced to return to work while their baby remains in hospital, often using up existing maternity, paternity, or annual leave. The Government’s commitment to providing additional statutory leave aims to ease the pressure on families, ensuring that no parent has to choose between keeping their job and caring for their child.

Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders MP stated:

“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.”

Sam Meadows, Director of HR at The HLTH Group also welcomed the news, stating:

“This is a really positive step forward in supporting working families during challenging times. This will ensure that parents have the dedicated time they need to care for their baby in neonatal care.”

A Decade of Campaigning

The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act follows years of advocacy by organisations such as The Smallest Things and Bliss. Catriona Ogilvy, Founder of The Smallest Things, highlighted the importance of this legislation, noting that “No parent or carer should be sitting beside an incubator worrying about pay or work.”

Caroline Lee-Davey, Chief Executive at Bliss, added that the Act ensures parents can remain with their sick baby when it matters most, rather than being forced back to work to meet financial obligations.

Part of a Wider Employment Reform

This measure is part of the Government’s wider Employment Rights Bill, which aims to strengthen workplace rights across the UK. Other reforms include day one rights for paternity, parental, and bereavement leave, ending exploitative zero-hour contracts, and promoting flexible working.

With the implementation of Neonatal Care Leave and Pay from April 2025, working families will have the legal protection and financial security they need during what is often a difficult and emotional time.

For the full article, visit: UK Government Press Release