The Labour government is delivering on its Plan for Change by ensuring that working families receive support when they need it most.

Thousands of working parents with babies in neonatal care will now be entitled to additional time off as a day one right, allowing them to focus on their baby’s wellbeing without the fear of losing their jobs or financial security.

Too many parents are currently faced with the impossible choice of returning to work while their newborn remains in hospital. The new neonatal care leave and pay entitlement, confirmed to take effect from 6 April 2025, will change this reality for around 60,000 new parents each year. By introducing these measures, the Labour government is ensuring that employed parents can prioritise their families without the anxiety of choosing between work and being there for their sick baby.

This landmark policy guarantees that parents of babies admitted into neonatal care within the first 28 days of life and who remain in hospital for seven full days or longer will be eligible for up to 12 weeks of neonatal care leave. Crucially, this is in addition to existing maternity and paternity leave entitlements.

Labour is committed to creating a fairer and more supportive working environment for all workers. Families experiencing the distress of neonatal care should not have to worry about how much annual leave they have left or how they will make ends meet. By making neonatal care leave a day one right, this Labour government is ensuring that every working parent, regardless of their length of service, is protected from the first day of their job.

Alongside this leave entitlement, Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (£187.18 per week from April 2025) will be available for those who meet the necessary service and earnings thresholds (employees must have worked for their employer for at least 26 weeks and earn, on average, at least £123 per week), offering additional financial stability during what can be a really challenging time.

This reform is another step forward in ensuring that workers’ rights are strengthened and protected under this Labour government.

We are delivering for working families—providing the security they deserve in the most challenging of moments.