Neonatal Care:  Leave and Pay

From the 6^th April 2025, working families with babies in neonatal care will be entitled to leave, as a day 1 right (so there is no length of service criteria).

In summary, for those who are eligible, they will be able to take up to 12 weeks’ leave.  Leave must be taken within 68 weeks of birth. 

The law defines ‘neonatal care’ which qualifies as that which starts within 28 days of the child’s birth and continues for at least 7 consecutive days. 

Statutory neonatal care pay is also available to employees who have at least 26 continuous weeks service and the rates will mirror other forms of statutory family leave and pay (statutory rate of £187.18 2025/2026) or 90% of the employee’s average weekly earnings.

Those exercising the right will also be protected in the same way as other forms of family leave from detriment and/or dismissal for exercising the statutory right.

We have recently produced a neonatal care policy which MILS’ members can adapt which is available in the login area of our website (or available on request).