On 24h May 2023, three new Government Bills were given Royal Assent, which will welcome new workers’ rights for parents and carers.
The Government backed Bills will allow additional rights to workers on top of the current leave entitlements; such as maternity leave, paternity leave and shared parental leave. It is hoped that this will protect vulnerable workers.
New Rights
The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023, will allow eligible employed parents whose new-born baby is admitted to neonatal care to take up to 12 weeks’ of paid leave. This is in addition to other leave entitlements such as maternity, paternity and shared parental leave.
The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act 2023, will extend the existing redundancy protections while on maternity, adoption or shared parental leave to also cover pregnancy, and a period of time after a new parent has returned to work.
The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 will create a new statutory entitlement to one week of flexible unpaid leave per year for employees who are caring for a dependant with a long-term care need.
It is hoped that this will alleviate strain on new parents and carers during difficult times. The Government has not yet confirmed when the new rights will be implemented but has stated they will “lay down secondary legislation in due course”.
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Our blogs and articles are prepared for general interest and it is important to obtain professional advice on specific issues. Swan Craig believe the information contained in these blogs and articles to be correct at the time of publication. While all possible care is taken in the preparation of these blogs and articles, no responsibility or liability for loss occasioned by any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of the material contained herein can be accepted by Swan Craig, the author, or the publisher.
