Neonatal care leave and pay

Implementation date: Expected April 2025

The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act entitles eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks' neonatal care leave if their baby requires neonatal care. They will also be entitled to neonatal care pay if they meet further eligibility requirements. This entitlement is in addition to existing entitlements such as maternity leave.

The provisions of the Act are subject to secondary legislation (regulations) being introduced and brought into force. It is not yet known when regulations will be introduced. The explanatory notes to the Bill suggested that if the Bill successfully completed all parliamentary stages in 2023 (which it did in May 2023), it is likely to come into force 18 months after that date. In subsequent parliamentary Written questions, answers and statements, the Government has indicated that it plans to introduce neonatal leave in April 2025.