On Monday, parents of babies in Wales are set to receive an additional 12 weeks off as part of a new neonatal care leave and pay entitlement. This change will allow parents of newborns in neonatal care to take extra time off work to be with their babies. This move has been hailed as a significant step towards supporting families during challenging times.
The new entitlement will provide parents with babies in neonatal care, who are up to 28 days old and have been in neonatal care for at least seven days, with an additional 12 weeks of leave and pay. This extension aims to alleviate some of the stress faced by working families and enable them to focus on their child’s health without the added pressure of work commitments.
Caroline Lee-Davey, the chief executive of prematurity charity Bliss, expressed her delight at the implementation of this new right, which her organisation has campaigned for tirelessly over the years. Lee-Davey highlighted the importance of parents being able to stay by their baby’s side, especially when the child is critically ill and in the hospital.
Catriona Ogilvy, founder of parent-led charity The Smallest Things, described the new neonatal entitlement as a “bittersweet moment”, acknowledging that while it is a significant achievement, many families have missed out on this support in the past. Ogilvy shared her personal experience of the challenges faced by families with premature babies and emphasised the lasting impact it has beyond the time spent in the hospital.
Employment rights minister Justin Madders reiterated the importance of the new rights, particularly for fathers who may not have had legal provisions to take time off in such circumstances before. Madders highlighted that employers will have the opportunity to be reimbursed for the additional leave and pay, with small businesses receiving full reimbursement, ensuring that supporting employees during difficult times does not incur additional costs.
Jane van Zyl, chief executive of Working Families, welcomed the introduction of the extra leave and pay, noting that it would allow parents to be there for their babies when they need it most. Van Zyl encouraged employers to enhance their neonatal policies and consider flexible working options to further support families during challenging circumstances.
Overall, the new neonatal care leave and pay entitlement in Wales is a significant development that recognises the unique challenges faced by parents of babies requiring neonatal care. This initiative not only provides practical support but also acknowledges the emotional toll and long-lasting impact of such experiences on families. By prioritising parental well-being and family cohesion, this policy aims to ensure that parents can focus on caring for their vulnerable infants without the added stress of work commitments.