It's expected that the new right, which is eligible for babies born after 6 April 2025, could benefit up to 60,000 new parents in the UK annually, including many Usdaw members.
What is the new right?
Parents whose baby arrives early and then has to spend time in neonatal care will have a new right to time off work.
Parents will be entitled to take up to a maximum of 12 weeks of leave (and if eligible, pay) in addition to their maternity or paternity leave.
Who does it apply to?
The legislation will apply to babies who are admitted to neonatal care within 28 days of their birth for a continuous stay of seven days or longer.
Is this a day-one right?
The right to neonatal leave will be a day-one right, meaning employees are entitled to the leave from the first day of their employment with a new employer.
Will it be paid?
Statutory Neonatal Care Pay will be available to employees who meet the relevant continuity of service requirements and a minimum earnings threshold. The specific details of eligibility of Neonatal Pay are yet to be confirmed and will be laid out in further regulations, although they are very likely to be along similar lines to existing criteria for maternity and paternity pay.
If I take this leave, will I be protected?
Employees who take neonatal leave will be entitled to the same employment rights and protections as those taking other forms of family-related leave. This includes protection from any detriment or discrimination for taking, or seeking to take, neonatal leave.
Don’t forget that help and advice is always available. Maternity and parental rights can be complex and confusing so don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need to. You can contact your Area Organiser or the Equalities Section at Head Office, Tel: 0161 224 2804.
For more information about Usdaw or to join contact your Union Rep or call 0800 030 80 30 or join online today!
