The new statutory right to Neonatal care leave

The new neonatal care leave and pay rights came into force on 6 April 2025.  

The aim of the new right is to allow parents dedicated time to spend with their newborn while they are receiving medical care, without taking time away from their maternity, paternity, adoption or shared parental leave. The hope is that this will provide some peace of mind to parents who find themselves in this difficult situation.