Employers’ Need to Know about Parents’ New Rights to Neonatal Leave and Pay
By Gareth Matthews, Employment Partner at HF
The Government has announced a new right of neonatal pay and leave, which will be effective on 6 April 2025.
The aim of the Neonatal Leave and Pay is to support parents who have newborns that require neonatal hospital care for a period of 7 days or more. This is in addition to other family leave benefits parents may be entitled to, such as maternity leave and paternity. The law also offers additional protections, with employees protected against any discrimination or detriment as a result taking or trying to take neonatal leave.
The new entitlement is added to the list of employee rights that already includes maternity leave, paternity leave, and other recent additions such as carers’ leave and parental bereavement.
This latest change highlights the importance of staying on top of employment legislation and adopting best practices in employee welfare. Employers must maintain a compliant and supportive workplace by taking proactive measures to review their leave policies to ensure they are fully in line with the new statutory requirements.
Information about the new right to Neonatal leave and pay
What is Neonatal Care leave?
Neonatal care is any medical care or palliative treatment that a child receives in the first 28 days following birth. Parents can take up to twelve weeks of leave if their child is hospitalised at least seven days and needs this type of care.
It is a legal right that applies to all parents who are affected, regardless of their length of service.
It is important to note, however, that employees are only eligible for statutory newborn pay if they meet the minimum earning threshold and have 26 weeks or more of service.
It’s a good time to review your policy
We advise employers to carefully review their approach towards family leave entitlements. Many employers choose to go beyond the statutory minimums and enhance these entitlements. For example, they may offer a longer period of leave, pay their employees’ full salaries during periods of leave or remove eligibility requirements.
Communication is crucial. Employers must update their policies to reflect the new rights, and make sure that employees are informed of their entitlements. Employers can comply with their legal obligations by taking proactive measures and creating a workplace culture which values and supports employees’ well-being during major life events.
Staying informed and flexible is essential to maintaining good practice and complying with law.
The original HR News article Parents’ New Right to Neonatal Pay & Leave: What Employers Must Know appeared first on .
