Support offered when parents most need it.
Carrington and other employers have always been sensitive and supported their employees who are new parents, but from 6th April 2025 there will be a legal requirement to recognise the needs of parents whose babies require neonatal care.
We understand that it is a very difficult time for parents who would be consumed with anxiety about their tiny baby or babies, and we welcome the intention to ensure that all employees are offered leave and pay so that they can focus their minds on the pressing medical situation of their early arrival/s.
The legislation has made its way through Parliament since 2023 and will apply to children born on or after 6th April 2025 and includes the following rights:
- The right to benefit from statutory neonatal leave will be a day one right where the child goes on to spend seven or more continuous days in neonatal care.
- Employees who qualify will be entitled to one week’s leave for every week their child spends in neonatal care, capped at 12 weeks.
- The statutory neonatal leave must be taken before the end of 68 weeks beginning with the date of the child’s birth. It can be taken as non-consecutive or consecutive weeks depending on when the leave is taken
- In line with the existing statutory family leave rights, during a period of statutory neonatal leave an employee will continue to benefit from their terms and conditions of employment, except for remuneration.
For the full picture, do refer to the government guidelines or look at our updated maternity/paternity/shared parental guides.