UK: New Technical Guide on Neonatal Care Leave and Pay Published
Authors: Graham Mitchell, Sophie Jackson, and Charlotte Stern
The government has published a new technical guide for employers on neonatal care leave and pay.
Neonatal care leave and pay, introduced on 6 April 2025, gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks’ leave and pay if their baby needs at least 7 continuous days of neonatal care in the first 28 days after birth.
The newly published technical guide contains detailed guidance and examples to help employers navigate the new rules. It covers areas such as eligibility, record keeping for HMRC and how to fit the entitlement around other types of family-related leave. It also addresses questions such as what happens if there are multiple babies in neonatal care or if a baby is re-admitted into neonatal care. It also signposts resources to help support employees whose babies need neonatal care.
The guidance sits alongside the existing employer guide published by the government earlier this year. ACAS also previously published practical guidance for employers and employees.
Key Action Points for Human Resources and In-house Counsel
The fact there are two categories of leave and different notice requirements for each makes the scheme complex for employers to operate in practice. Employers will welcome this additional guidance. For more information about neonatal leave and pay, read our detailed update.
