20 January 2025
In a press release, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has announced that regulations have been laid to allow the implementation of Neonatal Care leave and pay from April 2025.
How long can Neonatal Leave be, and when does it become available?
The regulations are still subject to parliamentary approval but will bring in the entitlement of up to 12 weeks leave for parents whose baby enters neonatal care up to 28 days after birth. This entitlement will be available from day one, with additional eligibility for pay, and be on top of other entitlements, such as maternity and paternity leave.
Where can I review Neonatal Care Pay & Leave regulations?
Full information on the new Neonatal Care Pay & Leave regulations can be found via the links below:
The Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (General) Regulations 2025
The Neonatal Care Leave and Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2025
Additional guidance is expected soon for both employees and employers.
What is the purpose of Neonatal Care Leave?
Employment Rights Minister, Justin Madders, said:
“Parents of children in neonatal care have more than enough to worry about without being concerned about how much annual leave they have left or whether they’ll be able to make ends meet.
“This entitlement will deliver certainty to them and their employers, setting baseline protections that give them the peace of mind to look after the one thing that matters most – their newborn baby.”
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