Day one right to neonatal care leave and pay for thousands of new parents

Thousands of new parents each year will gain a day one right to leave and pay, if eligible, if they have a child in neonatal care as of tomorrow [Sunday 6 April].  

Our Plan for Change relies on families having security in work. By protecting payslips and providing them with the support at work they need through these measures, we're putting more money into the pockets of working people, delivering national renewal and growing the economy.   

These measures will change the dial from where it is now, where working families have been faced with the challenge of going to work whilst their newborn baby is sick in neonatal care.   

They will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay) on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.    

In a meeting between Justin Madders, the Employment Rights Minister, and campaigners from the charities The Smallest Things, Bliss and Working Families,     

Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:    

“The campaigners and parents who have had to experience their children in neonatal care are an inspiration to us all and show just how much this new leave and pay entitlement is needed for families up and down the UK.    

“We know that many employers already go above and beyond the statutory minimum, which is why as part of our Plan for Change we're creating a level playing field that ensures parents, wherever they work, have the vital relief they need to switch off from work and focus on their newborn baby.” 

Women's Health Minister Baroness Merron said:    

“No parent should have to choose between being with their vulnerable newborn or returning to work. Our action today will make all the difference to families going through an incredibly stressful time.    

"We are giving parents peace of mind so they can focus on their family. At the same time, we are reforming the NHS and maternity and neonatal services to ensure that everyone receives the personalised, compassionate care that they deserve.” 

The new 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 neonatal care of 7 full days or longer.   

These measures will aim to relieve some of the pressure on working families, 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.     

The Government's Employment Rights Bill, which is currently making its way through Parliament, was introduced to upgrade workers' rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike. This includes bringing forward employment reforms, such as establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers.    

Other measures being introduced by this Government include support for employers through the menopause and strengthened protections against unfair dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.  

 Catriona Ogilvy, founder of parent-led charity The Smallest Things says, 

"The Smallest Things is thrilled that Neonatal Care Leave and Pay will finally be available to families from tomorrow (6 April).   

"This new law is the result of a decade of tireless campaigning by those who truly understand - neonatal parents themselves.    

“They know the journey doesn't end when babies come home from hospital. Neonatal Leave will give families back stolen time. Time to be with their baby without the worry of work or pay. Time to bond. And time to begin to recover - both physically and mentally.   

"Neonatal parents and carers needed more time. From tomorrow, they'll get it." 

Bliss Chief Executive Caroline Lee-Davey said:   

“At Bliss we know just how important it is that babies born premature or sick have both parents at their side in neonatal care during their challenging first weeks and months of life, playing a hands-on role in their care.   

“That is why Bliss is so proud to have led campaigning for the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave & Pay) Act, which will provide thousands of employed parents every year with the assurance that they can take the time to be with their sick baby when they need it most.    

“We now look forward to working with the Government and employers to ensure that all parents who are eligible know about this new entitlement, as well as the wider information and support that they can access from Bliss throughout their neonatal journey.” 

Jane van Zyl, Chief Executive, Working Families said: 

“We are delighted to see the introduction of this new entitlement after having worked with policymakers on its development. 

“Having additional leave and pay will mean parents can be by their baby's side when they need them most. By giving families some breathing space and the ability to manage childcare for older siblings, this policy will help relieve some of the financial and emotional strain families are under.   

“We hope employers will build on this support by developing enhanced neonatal polices, as many compassionate employers have already, and consider flexible working, a little of which can go a long way in supporting families." 

Nisha Marwaha, Director of DE&I at Virgin Media O2 said:   

“Introducing paid neonatal care leave as a day one right is a lifeline for parents whose babies require medical care shortly after birth.  

“At Virgin Media O2, we're proud to have been one of the first UK businesses to introduce paid neonatal leave more than two years ahead of it becoming a legal requirement. We've seen first-hand the difference it has made to our employees, allowing them to focus on caring for their sick baby and take time away from work with our full support.   

“That's why we welcome the introduction of the legislation that will benefit around 60,000 new parents each year so they can be there for their loved ones when it counts, without having to worry about work.”  

Liz Jeffery, Vice President for People Experience at Sony Music, said: 

“When a baby is born prematurely or requires neonatal care after birth, it can be a very difficult time for parents.  

“Since 2018, Sony Music staff have been entitled to full pay during the period in which a baby is born before full term or spends time in neonatal care, ensuring they are financially supported until parental leave begins.  

“This policy has been a huge benefit for our employees over the past seven years and we are pleased to see that the law is changing to support other families going through these experiences.” 

Jackie Henry, managing partner for people and purpose at Deloitte UK, said:    

“Family-friendly policies can have a profound impact in supporting people in the modern workplace.  

“That's why at Deloitte UK, we provide 12 weeks' paid neonatal care leave as part a wider package of policies and benefits, including six months' paid family leave, and paid time off for caring responsibilities and fertility treatment.  

“Families come in all shapes and sizes, so policies like these allow our people to focus on what matters during some of the most important moments of their lives.”