The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is consulting on a proposal for a new employment right to ‘Neonatal Leave and Pay’, which would give parents additional paid leave if their baby is born requiring neonatal care.
The Department wants to hear the views of parents and employers, as well as health professionals with knowledge or experience of working in a neonatal unit.
The consultation follows an internal review of provisions for parents of premature, sick and multiple babies. This highlighted the significant challenges to returning to and staying in work that these parents can face, particularly where their baby spends a prolonged period in neonatal care following birth. Evidence gathered so far suggests that current leave and pay entitlements do not adequately support parents in these circumstances, hence the Government is considering options for further support.
Deadline: 11th October
