Neonatal Care Leave and Pay policy template

1   Overview

1.1   This policy ensures employees whose babies require specialist hospital care after birth are treated with compassion and consistency, and are fully supported during what may be an emotional and challenging time.

1.2   It outlines statutory rights to leave and pay, sets out responsibilities for managers and employees, and provides clear processes to follow when Neonatal Care Leave is needed.

2   Scope

2.1   This policy applies to all eligible employees, regardless of role, location, or working pattern.

3   General Principles

3.1   Entitlements

3.1.1   Neonatal Care Leave

3.1.2   Eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of Neonatal Care Leave, which must be used within 68 weeks of the child’s birth. Leave is split into two tiers:

• Tier 1: Leave can be taken while the baby is receiving neonatal care, or during the week following discharge. Weeks do not need to be taken consecutively.

• Tier 2: Leave can be taken at any time after the baby’s discharge, up to the 68-week limit. This must be taken in consecutive weeks.

Neonatal Care Leave can be taken in full weeks only and must not overlap with other forms of statutory leave (e.g. maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave). Employees may request