Published: April 2025
From 6 April 2025, a new employment law came into effect introducing a statutory entitlement for eligible employees: Neonatal Care Leave and Pay. This change is intended to support working parents whose babies require specialist care after birth, ensuring they do not have to rely solely on existing parental leave provisions during what is often a difficult and distressing time.
What Is Neonatal Care Leave?
Neonatal Care Leave is a day-one employment right that allows parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave if their baby is admitted to hospital for neonatal care for at least 7 continuous days in the first 28 days after birth.
This is additional to other statutory leave entitlements such as maternity, paternity, or shared parental leave.
What About Neonatal Care Pay?
Eligible employees (those with at least 26 weeks’ continuous service and average weekly earnings above the Lower Earnings Limit) will be entitled to Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (SNCP). The rate is aligned with other statutory family-related pay rates — for 2025/26, this is £184.03 per week or 90% of average weekly earnings, whichever is lower.
Key Features at a Glance:
- Leave entitlement: Up to 12 weeks (in addition to other parental leave)
- Leave must be taken within: 68 weeks of the child’s birth
- Pay eligibility: 26 weeks’ service + earnings above the LEL
- Pay rate: Standard statutory rate
- Leave blocks: Must be taken in whole weeks
Why This Matters
Previously, parents of hospitalised newborns had to rely on maternity/paternity leave or annual leave during neonatal care. This change introduces flexibility and financial support for families during extended hospital stays.
This right is especially important for:
- Premature births
- Babies with medical complications requiring specialist care
- Parents needing time to manage emotional and logistical challenges
Legal References
The new entitlements are set out in:
- Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023
- Neonatal Leave and Pay Regulations 2025 (in force from 6 April 2025)
For practical guidance, see:
What Employers Should Do Now
This is the perfect time to review your existing family leave policies to ensure compliance with the new law. Policies and employee handbooks should be updated to reflect:
- The new leave and pay entitlements
- Eligibility criteria and notice requirements
- Employee communication processes during neonatal care
Need Support?
I provide a fully compliant, ready-to-use Parental Leave Policy revuised to include the new neonatal leave provisions. If you’re unsure whether your current policy is up to date or you’d like a free review of your existing policy:
👉 Get in touch today to request a review or a copy of my generic Parental Leave Policy.