It’s been confirmed that a new right to neonatal care leave and pay will come into force from 06 April this year.
This means eligible parents (below) can take valuable time away to be with their baby without eating into maternity and paternity leave entitlements.
How will this work in practice?
When — it will apply in circumstances where a baby needs hospital care for at least seven days within their first 28 days of life.
Who — the right will apply to the baby’s parents, a partner married to the baby’s parent, or an individual responsible for bringing up the child.
How much — employees will be able to take up to 12 weeks’ leave on top of any other maternity or paternity leave they may be entitled to, mirroring the time the baby spends in hospital.
Current leave entitlements — Neonatal Care Leave will be added on to the end of maternity or paternity leave.
From — leave will be able to be taken from day one of employment, but the Statutory Neonatal Care Pay element of the new right requires at least 26 weeks’ service and for employees to meet a minimum earnings threshold.
Getting prepared
Policies – update your existing documents, or introduce a new Neonatal Care Leave policy to cover the new right. By 10 February, you’ll have access to our policy on Intelligent Employment. We’ll also be adding a template letter to provide to employees to confirm details of their leave.
Employment contracts – you’ll need to update your existing documents to include the new leave entitlement. If you need our help, get in touch.
Get in touch if you need our advice or guidance on anything we’ve covered in this update.
This update is accurate on the date it was published but may be subject to change which may or may not be notified to you. This update is not to be taken as advice and you should seek advice if anything contained within affects you or your business.
