Month: January 2025

The UK government has today announced that, subject to Parliamentary approval, the new legislation will take effect from 6 April 2025 following the passing of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act in 2023. 

Neonatal Care Leave will:

✅ apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old;

✅ and who have a continuous stay in hospital of 7 full days or longer. 

✅ allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay).

✅ be on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave. 

This will no doubt come as a huge relief to expectant parents who, for whatever reason, may need additional support at a vulnerable and distressing time in their lives.

The Labour government has set out its intention to ‘Make Work Pay’ –  with an agenda to boost wages, reduce insecure work and grow Britain’s economy.

The Employment Rights Bill was introduced in October 2024 and set out a number of intended reforms.

In 2025 we expect to see further consultations on things such as day one rights for unfair dismissal, probationary periods, zero hour contracts, family rights, Statutory Sick Pay, and worker status.  This is on top of the impending updates to minimum wage and NI contributions.

Although we know very little for certain at this stage, this insight allows businesses to plan ahead, update policies and procedures, and consider the business impact of possible reforms.