Submitted by Alexandra Collett on Mon, 07/04/2025 - 11:40
The government’s Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 came into effect on 6 April 2025. In line with this, University employees are now able to access an additional leave entitlement of up to 12 weeks if their baby requires hospital or palliative care shortly after birth. This is paid at full pay for all employees, regardless of length of service.
University employees will be entitled to neonatal care leave if they have a baby (including through surrogacy or adoption) requiring neonatal care for seven days or more within the first 28 days following birth. The amount of leave available depends on the length of the baby’s neonatal care, up to a maximum of 12 weeks. Neonatal care leave is available in addition to other types of family leave, such as maternity and paternity/co-parent leave.
As part of its commitment to being a leading employer and supporting staff with caring and family responsibilities, the University will pay employees full pay during their neonatal care leave, not just the statutory rate (currently £187.18 per week) required by the government’s legislation.
Full details are available in the Special Leave Policy. Information about neonatal care leave has been signposted in other relevant policies, and will be included in the letters sent to staff on approval of requests for maternity/paternity/co-parent/shared parental leave.