On Mar. 26, UK GVT issued neonatal care leave and pay regulations.
UK GVT, UK HMRC issued two sets of instruments which make provision to implement a new statutory entitlement, as introduced by Neonatal care (leave and pay) act 2023.
Two sets of regulations are Neonatal care leave and miscellaneous amendments regulations 2025 (StIn 2025/375) (leave regulations) and the Statutory neonatal care pay (general) regulations 2025 (StIn 2025/376) (pay regulations).
Employed parents will be eligible for neonatal care leave and pay if their child begins receiving neonatal care within 28 days of birth and remains in care for at least 7 days.
The entitlement will apply to employed parents of children born on or after Apr. 6, 2025 and provide these parents with up to 12 weeks of paid leave.
The package ensures that parents who are employees will be supported to take time away from work to care for their child who is receiving or has received neonatal care.
Leave Regulations
Implement a new entitlement for employed parents to take up to 12 weeks leave from their job if their child receives neonatal care starting within 28 days of birth and goes on to spend seven or more continuous days in care.
Also deals with a drafting correction to Paternity, adoption and shared parental leave (parental order cases) regulations 2014 (StIn 2014/3096) and Maternity and parental leave regs 1999 (StIn 1999/3312).
Pay Regulations
Implement a new entitlement for employed parents, of children who receive neonatal care, and who meet certain eligibility criteria, to receive a statutory payment.
Paid at statutory flat rate of £187.18 per week for 2025/2026, or 90% of average earnings calculated over a set period, whichever is lower whilst absent from work.
Effectiveness
Both sets of regulations come into force on Apr. 6, 2025.
