Businesses must prepare for a significant new workplace entitlement where a baby is born on or after 6 April 2025 – neonatal care leave. Currently, 1 in 7 babies in the UK requires neonatal care due to premature birth, low birth weight, or complications.
Until now, parents in this situation have had to rely on maternity, paternity, or unpaid leave, often adding financial strain to an already stressful time.
The new law changes this, giving employees a day-one right to take up to 12 weeks of neonatal care leave if their baby is admitted to hospital for at least seven consecutive days in their first month of life. Some employees will also qualify for statutory neonatal care pay (SNCP), which businesses will be responsible for administering.
This change requires businesses to review their policies and processes. With around 60,000 parents expected to benefit from the new right, employers should act now to ensure they are ready for the its legal and practical implications.
So, what do businesses need to know—and how can they prepare?
What is neonatal care leave, and who is eligible for it?
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