Starting April 2025, the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 will come into effect, bringing essential support for parents of newborns in neonatal care. This ground-breaking legislation is expected to benefit around 60,000 new parents annually, providing up to 12 weeks of leave and pay, in addition to their existing entitlements.

✅Employees will have a day-one right to take NC leave

✅They must be responsible for a newborn receiving neonatal care born on or after 6 April 2025

✅Employees are protected from suffering a detriment due to taking or requesting NC leave.

✅Contractual terms continue during NC leave, except for pay

✅Employees have the right to return to work after NC leave

This is welcome news for new parents giving much needed additional time off and statutory pay at a traumatic time. As business owners, it's vital to understand the new requirements, update your policies, plan for potential absences and support your employees.

Need help with preparing for the changes? Please get in touch for a confidential chat - we are here to help.