Purpose

Given the introduction of the new statutory
right to neonatal care leave and pay (subject to eligibility), a
decision has been taken to implement a policy. The policy outlines
the principles governed by this new law and will assist in
supporting employees with parental or other prescribed
responsibility for a child to take time off work when their child
is receiving neonatal care. There are some complexities within this
new law which can be difficult to understand, however the policy
has been written clearly and simply to explain an employee’s
entitlement, how to request neonatal care leave, in addition to
making clear the process for neonatal care pay. The policy has also
been written in line with ACAS guidelines and best
practice.

Content

A decision has been taken to implement a new
policy based on a new statutory right, which came into effect from
6 April 2025. This new right entitles employees with parental or
other prescribed responsibility for a child to take time off work
when their child is receiving neonatal care. Furthermore, regarding
neonatal care pay, a decision has been agreed to pay more than
statutorily required. The council will pay full contractual pay for
4 weeks, after which an employee will move to statutory neonatal
care pay.

Moreover, the policy is designed to help employees understand if
neonatal care leave is available to them and how this will affect
other parental leave entitlements. It also demonstrates that the
council recognises that this may not be an easy subject to talk
about, however we urge employees to be as open as possible about
any particular issues that they are experiencing to ensure that
they are provided with the right level of support.