From 6 April 2025, a significant new right will be introduced for parents of babies requiring neonatal care. This new right grants parents the ability to take neonatal care leave and receive pay when their infants are admitted to neonatal units.
The new right will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care for up to 28 days old, and who have a continuous stay in hospital of seven full days or longer.
Eligible parents will be able to take up to 12 weeks of leave, in addition to any maternity or paternity leave they are entitled to.
In conjunction with the leave entitlement, Statutory Neonatal Care Pay will be available to those who meet continuity of service requirements and a minimum earnings threshold.
This new legislation represents a significant step forward in parental support during difficult times, ensuring families have the necessary resources and time to care for their newborns in neonatal units.