UK Parents with Babies in Neonatal Care Gain Right to Paid Leave

Starting Sunday, UK parents with newborns in neonatal care will have the right to paid leave, allowing them to take up to 12 weeks off work, The Guardian reported. This measure, part of the Labour government’s employment rights bill, aims to support parents with sick babies, with one in seven newborns requiring specialist care.

Eligible parents can access this leave if their baby is admitted to neonatal care within 28 days of birth and stays for seven days or longer. The legislation also includes provisions for bereavement leave after a miscarriage, two weeks of bereavement leave for pregnancy loss before 24 weeks, and improved sick pay for low-income workers.

Employment rights minister Justin Madders praised the reforms, emphasizing the importance of allowing parents to focus on their newborns during challenging times. Charities supporting families of premature and sick babies have called the changes transformative, providing essential support for parents navigating their difficult journeys.