Neonatal Leave and Pay

Neonatal Care Leave and Pay is an issue of crucial importance to so many families.

One in seven babies born in the UK receives some level of neonatal care. While many will return home with their families after just a few days, every year around 50,000 have to spend more than a week in neonatal care. I believe society has a duty of care for parents with a child in this situation. They should not have to be at work or worrying about covering bills at such a traumatic time. Yet, while some employers are very understanding, some others are unable or unwilling to provide the support parents need in that situation.

I therefore welcome the passing of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act in May 2023. I pay tribute to Bliss and all those who have campaigned to bring in this legislation, which will help so many families in our area and across the country. At the same time, I appreciate the concerns raised at how long it will take to implement Neonatal Care Leave and Pay and the number of parents who will miss out on this crucial entitlement in the meantime.

The Government anticipates at present that Neonatal Care Leave and Pay will not come into force until April 2025. It says this is because it requires updates to HMRC IT systems, support for employers and payroll providers to implement changes, guidance for employers and individuals, parliamentary consideration of secondary legislation, and to align with the start of a tax year. However, this comes on top of years of delay on this issue already.

The Government consulted on neonatal leave and pay in the last Parliament, committed to it in its “Good Work Plan”, promised it again in its 2019 manifesto and was due to include it in the Employment Bill that it has since abandoned. It is disappointing that legislation was delayed so long and that it was left to a backbench MP to introduce neonatal leave and pay through a Private Members’ Bill. I hope the Government will now act with speed to introduce these vital new rights and I can assure you that I will continue to monitor this issue closely.