The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act extends existing redundancy protections for pregnant women and new parents. Currently, these protections only cover maternity leave, adoption leave, or shared parental leave, however, with this Act, parents will now be safeguarded during pregnancy and for a period after their return to work.
The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act grants parents the right to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave if their newborn requires neonatal care. This is in addition to their other leave entitlements like maternity and paternity leave. The duration of leave and pay will depend on the length of the neonatal care required.
Additionally, the Carers’ Leave Act has also gained Royal Assent, allowing working carers to take up to five days of unpaid leave annually.
Details of when these new laws will be implemented are expected in the near future.
“We know how stressful it can be for parents caring for a new-born in neonatal care, or someone who is trying to juggle work with caring responsibilities, and these additional protections will ensure they get the support they need,” said Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake
