New paid leave for parents of babies in neonatal care

North Lanarkshire Council staff who require specialist medical care for their new born are now being offered up to 12 extra weeks of paid leave.

The change follows the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023, which came into effect on 6 April 2025. It gives parents the legal right to extra leave if their baby needs neonatal care within the first 28 days of life.

The leave is available from the first day of employment and applies to biological and adoptive parents, intended parents through surrogacy, and partners or carers of the baby.

It must be taken in full-week blocks within 68 weeks of the baby’s birth. Employees with 26 weeks of service may also qualify for Neonatal Statutory Pay.

Anyone seeking more information should speak to their manager for support.