Neonatal Care Leave – Effective April 2025

From 6 April 2025, all employees who are parents of a newborn child may be eligible for Neonatal Care Leave (NCL). This leave is designed to support parents whose child requires care in a neonatal unit immediately after birth, ensuring they can be present during a critical period without jeopardising their employment rights.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for neonatal care leave, the following criteria must be met:

• The child must be born on or after 6 April 2025.

• The child must have received neonatal care within 28 days of birth (starting the day after birth).

• The neonatal care must have lasted for seven consecutive days or longer, beginning from the day after care commenced.

• Employees must meet any additional statutory conditions outlined under the neonatal care leave regulations.

  
  

It is important for HR and line managers to understand that neonatal care leave is a statutory right from day one of employment, meaning employees do not need a qualifying period of service to take leave.

Statutory Neonatal Care Pay

Eligible employees may also receive Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (SNCP), which is conditional upon:

• A minimum of 26 weeks’ continuous service with the employer at the time of the leave.

• Average weekly earnings of at least £123 per week, rising to £125 per week from 6 April 2025.

Where these conditions are met, employees are entitled to receive SNCP in accordance with the statutory guidelines.

Key Takeaways for Employers

• Neonatal care leave is a day one right; employees can take time off without needing prior service.

• Statutory pay is contingent on service and earnings, so ensure payroll and HR systems are updated to reflect eligibility.

• Managers should be prepared to have sensitive conversations with employees requesting leave, offering flexibility where possible.

• Clear internal processes for applying, recording, and authorising neonatal care leave will help ensure compliance and reduce potential disputes.

  
  

How Can Kirby HR Consultancy Help?

At Kirby HR, I have developed a Neonatal Care Leave Policy and Procedure to provide clarity and support for both employees and managers. The policy covers:

• How employees can request neonatal care leave.

• Entitlements to pay and benefits during the leave period.

• Guidance for managers on supporting employees while maintaining business continuity.

• Documentation requirements to ensure compliance with statutory obligations.

This policy demonstrates our commitment to supporting parents during a crucial time, balancing employee wellbeing with operational needs.

Supporting employees during the early days of neonatal care can make a significant difference to families while demonstrating your organisation’s commitment to a compassionate and inclusive workplace.