Someone in my team has just asked me for Neo Natal Leave. What do I do – I’ve never heard of it!
Prior to the new legislation coming into force, parents of newborn babies requiring neonatal care did not receive any extra time off or pay, instead relying on statutory leave not intended for long hospital stays or the discretion of their employer, and in some cases have to return to work while their babies are still in hospital.
The new right to neonatal care leave and pay, introduced by the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023, came into force on 6 April 2025 and applies to parents of babies born on or after that date who receive neonatal care. Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- Who it Applies To: The new rights apply to parents of babies born on or after 6 April 2025 who receive neonatal care, starting within 28 days of birth and lasting for at least seven consecutive days.
- “Day One” Right: Neonatal care leave is a “day one” right, meaning it applies to employees regardless of how long an employee has been in their job.
- Duration of Leave: Parents can take up to 12 weeks of leave, which can be taken in addition to other parental leave entitlements like maternity/paternity or shared parental leave.
- Leave must be taken within 68 weeks of the birth
- Pay: There will also be provisions for neonatal care pay, paid during leave, at a prescribed rate for those eligible parents who meet minimum requirements, and Employers can reclaim payments from the government
If you need a neo-natal care and pay policy, get in touch with us and we can provide you with one.
