Neonatal care leave: What employers need to know
From April 6, 2025, employees will have the right to up to 12 weeks’ leave where they have a child requiring neonatal medical care. Lynsey Howes, our Partner and Head of Employment and HR, has the details...
A significant change is coming into effect next month that could impact any business. The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 will become law in the UK on April 6, 2025.
This new law allows employees to take time off work to care for their babies who need special care due to premature birth or illness. From April 6, 2025, employees can take up to 12 weeks of leave if their child requires continuous neonatal care for seven or more days, starting within 28 days of birth. This leave must be taken within a 68-week period following the baby’s birth.
Neonatal leave is available from day one of employment, but to receive pay, parents must have completed 26 weeks of continuous service. This leave and pay are in addition to existing entitlements like maternity, paternity, and adoption leave.
Draft regulations outlining the details of this entitlement and notification requirements have been published here.
*This article is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Date
19 March, 2025
Author
Phil Winter
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