Thousands of UK families with babies in neonatal care will soon receive extended time off work under a new day-one employment right. 

The government has announced that, pending Parliamentary approval, the Neonatal Care Leave and Pay policy will take effect on April 6 this year. 

This initiative is set to benefit approximately 60,000 parents, allowing them to prioritize supporting their newborns without the difficult choice between work commitments and family care.

Labour has hailed the policy as part of its Plan for Change, aimed at supporting working families and safeguarding their incomes.

Currently, many parents must return to work while their babies remain hospitalized or exhaust their annual leave to extend their time off. The new rule, however, will enable them to stay with their baby without working or depleting existing leave entitlements.

Neonatal Care Leave applies to parents whose babies are admitted to neonatal care within the first 28 days of birth and require a continuous hospital stay of at least seven days. 

Eligible parents will be entitled to up to 12 weeks of leave – and, if applicable, pay – in addition to other leave allowances, such as maternity or paternity leave.

Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders emphasized the importance of the policy, stating, “Parents of children in neonatal care already have enough on their plates without worrying about their annual leave or finances. This entitlement provides certainty and peace of mind, allowing them to focus on what matters most – their newborns.”

The government confirmed that Neonatal Care Leave will be a day-one right, available to employees starting from their first day in a new role. Statutory Neonatal Care Pay will also be provided to those meeting specific service and earnings requirements.