Parental Leave (Premature and Sick Babies) Bill

Key Points

• Extends eligibility for parental leave to parents of babies born prematurely or needing neonatal care.
• Aims to provide longer or more flexible leave to support care during treatment and recovery.
• Includes connected provisions to align the new entitlements with the current parental leave framework (e.g., notice, return to work, payments).
• Maintains employment protections for parents while they are on leave and while they return to work.

Progress

The bill is at the second reading in the House of Commons and will move to committee stage for detailed examination before proceeding to further readings in both Houses.