It is now confirmed that neonatal leave and pay will come into force from 6 April 2025, providing parents with a right to up to 12 weeks’ leave and pay when their baby requires neonatal care.
- New right to neonatal care leave and pay confirmed from 6 April, expected to benefit around 60,000 new parents.
- Measures ensure employed parents can focus on supporting their new family without worrying about choosing between keeping their job and spending time with their baby.
- The Government is delivering our Plan for Change by supporting working families and protecting working people’s payslips
Thousands of working families with babies in neonatal care will soon benefit from additional time off from day one of employment, the government confirmed in January.
Currently, many parents across the UK are faced with the difficult reality of returning to work while their newborn remains in hospital. These new measures aim to ease the pressure on families during what can be an incredibly challenging time.
Under the new provisions, Neonatal Care Leave will be available to parents of babies admitted to neonatal care within the first 28 days of life, where the hospital stay lasts at least 7 consecutive full days. Eligible parents will be entitled to up to 12 weeks of additional leave (and pay, where applicable)—in addition to any other leave entitlements such as maternity or paternity leave.