New Parental Rights in the UK 2025: Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023
New Parental Rights in the UK: Neonatal Care Leave and Pay
Starting in April 2025, the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 will grant new rights to working parents in the UK. Eligible employees will be entitled to up to 12 weeks of Neonatal Care Leave (NCL) to care for a baby hospitalised within the first 28 days of birth. This leave is in addition to existing maternity, paternity, or shared parental leave entitlements. This new entitlement should be reflected in your employee handbook from the 6th April 2025.
Key Details: Neonatal Care Leave (NCL)
- Day-One Entitlement: All employees qualify regardless of length of service.
- Hospitalisation Requirement: Leave applies if the baby is hospitalised for at least seven consecutive full days.
- Timeframe: Leave must be taken within 68 weeks of the baby’s birth.
Key Details: Neonatal Care Pay (NCP)
To qualify for statutory pay during this leave, employees must:
- Have been continuously employed for at least 26 weeks.
- Earn an average of at least £123 per week, similar to the criteria for maternity pay.
This significant update reflects a growing emphasis on supporting working parents during challenging times and aligns with the UK’s broader commitment to family-friendly workplace policies.
This new entitlement should be reflected in your employee handbook from the 6th April 2025. Anyone who purchases our employee handbook in 2025 will receive an automatic free update to their handbook which reflects this Neo-Natal Care Leave Entitlement.
