The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act offers crucial support for parents of newborns admitted to neonatal care within 28 days of birth, providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave. Here’s a summary:
Key Points of the Act:
1. Eligibility and Leave:
Applies to: Employees whose baby is born on or after 6th April 2025.
Leave Duration: Up to 12 weeks, in addition to other family leave entitlements.
Conditions: Baby must be in neonatal care for at least 7 continuous days, starting within 28 days of birth.
Day-One Right: Available from the first day of employment.
2. Neonatal Care Definition:
Medical care received in a hospital.
Medical care post-hospital discharge under a consultant’s direction.
Palliative or end-of-life care.
3. Eligibility for Neonatal Care Leave (NCL):
Must be an employee and the baby’s parent, intended parent, or partner.
Baby must be admitted to neonatal care within 28 days of birth and remain for at least 7 continuous days.
Leave must be taken in blocks of a week.
4. Eligibility for Neonatal Care Pay (NCP):
Employed for at least 26 weeks by the relevant week.
Average gross weekly earnings meet the lower earnings limit for National Insurance.
Paid at a flat rate or 90% of average weekly earnings, for a maximum of 12 weeks within the first 68 weeks of the child’s birth.
5. Types of Leave:
Tier 1 Leave: While baby is receiving care, up to one week post-discharge. Can be taken in non-continuous blocks.
Tier 2 Leave: After neonatal care ends, taken in one continuous block.
6. Notice Requirements:
Tier 1: Notify employer before starting work on the first day of the absence in that week (if practicable).
Tier 2: Notify employer at least 15-28 days in advance depending on the leave duration.
This Act ensures that parents can care for their newborns without compromising their job security or financial stability.