From 6 April 2025, thousands of working families will gain a new right to neonatal care leave and pay, giving parents of babies in neonatal care the ability to take up to 12 weeks of leave, with pay available to eligible employees. The change was confirmed by the government on 20 January and is expected to benefit around 60,000 parents annually.
Currently, parents of premature or sick babies often face the difficult choice between returning to work to maintain their income or staying at their baby’s side. The new entitlement, part of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023, ensures employed parents can focus on supporting their family without sacrificing financial security or job stability.
Key Features of the New Entitlement:
- Day One Right: Neonatal care leave will be available to employees from their first day in a new job.
- Eligibility: Covers parents of babies admitted into neonatal care within 28 days of birth, with a continuous hospital stay of 7 full days or more.
- Additional Leave: Up to 12 weeks of leave on top of existing maternity, paternity, or shared parental leave.
- Statutory Pay: Eligible parents meeting continuity of service and earnings thresholds will also receive Statutory Neonatal Pay during their leave.
This change follows years of campaigning by organisations like Bliss and The Smallest Things, who highlighted the emotional and financial strain on parents during neonatal stays. The reform addresses these challenges by allowing parents to remain with their babies in hospital, bond during recovery, and transition to life at home without undue pressure.
Catriona Ogilvy, founder of The Smallest Things, described the legislation as “long overdue,” saying it provides families with essential time to care for fragile babies while alleviating financial and work-related worries. Bliss CEO Caroline Lee-Davey added that it will help end the “unimaginable choice” many parents face between work and being with their sick baby.
A Step Towards Fairer Workplaces
The introduction of neonatal care leave and pay is part of a broader Employment Rights Bill designed to improve workers’ rights, tackle poor working conditions, and support families.
Trade union members and representatives are encouraged to raise awareness of these entitlements among their members to ensure parents can access the support they need.
