Guidance on Neonatal Care Leave

Both ACAS and the Government have issued new advice to employers regarding neonatal care leave in the workplace.

The ACAS guidance (here) aims to help employers understand what neonatal care is, who is eligible for leave and pay and how employers can support employees taking leave. Including:

• Reminding employers that employees who are not eligible may instead be able to take unpaid emergency dependant care leave, other statutory leave, or be offered compassionate leave or unpaid time off.

• Highlighting that a baby’s admission to neonatal care is a highly stressful situation and encourages employers to be flexible and support the employee’s mental health.

• Advice on best practice, for example:

With the employee’s consent, allowing family members or friends to notify the employer and provide updates on the employee’s behalf.