Neonatal Care Leave Bill - Clause 1 (Introduction)

Supports the Bill's provisions as they contribute to gender equality for fathers and non-birthing parents who are often excluded from statutory maternity provisions.

Supports the Bill and seeks clarification on potential additional burdens to companies, how benefits align with existing funding provisions, and the practical definition of 'neonatal care' in regulations.

The Bill will provide relief and support for the families of approximately 50,000 babies born in the UK each year who need neonatal care. The policy change allows parents to focus on their child's wellbeing without worrying about employment or income. Mary Robinson acknowledges the charity Bliss and thanks them for supporting families across the UK.

The Bill is a significant achievement due to its rarity as a private Member's Bill progressing in Parliament. Alex Davies-Jones expresses frustration at the delay but welcomes Government support. The MP shares personal experience of having a prematurely born child who required neonatal care, highlighting the need for paid leave and flexibility.

Welcomed the emotional and personal testimonies shared by hon. Members, highlighting the importance of sharing experiences to raise awareness about neonatal care issues. Discussed the impact on families, citing statistics from the Office for National Statistics indicating 624,828 births annually in England and Wales with more than 90,000 babies requiring neonatal care each year. Emphasised that parents need time off work to support their children during crucial early stages of life. Argued that allowing employees time off would help businesses by improving morale and productivity while addressing mental health concerns among new parents.

Congratulated the Member for Cumbernauld, Kilsyth and Kirkintilloch East on bringing forward the Bill. Highlighted that this Bill represents a refreshing change in tone compared to other debates, particularly during difficult weeks like the current one. Emphasised the importance of addressing inadequacies in existing parental leave and pay when babies are born premature or sick. Discussed the financial pressures faced by families during neonatal care and the need for additional support, especially during the cost-of-living crisis. Quoted a nurse, Kirsty Pringle, who highlighted concerns about insufficient maternity leave after neonatal stays. Praised the Bill's introduction of two new rights: neonatal care leave and statutory pay.

Mrs. Crosbie supports the Bill as a former chair of Save the Baby charity, highlighting its significance to her personally and professionally. She cites statistics showing that one in seven babies born in the UK require neonatal support. The amendment will give parents up to 12 weeks’ additional leave and pay, allowing them crucial time with their baby. Mrs. Crosbie also emphasises the emotional toll on families and the importance of honouring Government commitments.

Mr. Baynes praises the special care baby unit at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, noting its significant role in neonatal care. He highlights the overwhelming public support for the Bill and estimates that it will cost £14.2 million annually on average if paid at the statutory flat rate. Mr. Baynes also commends charities such as Bliss for their campaigning efforts to extend leave and pay for parents of babies in neonatal care.

Supports the Bill for its importance in addressing neonatal care challenges. Highlights the work of charity Leo’s and emphasises mental health struggles faced by parents, noting that 79% of parents suffer from mental health issues due to neonatal care. Acknowledges the high demand for support services and the need for financial assistance.

Supports the Bill for its potential to alleviate stress on families with neonatal care needs. Emphasises the importance of additional care leave for fathers and mothers, noting that 70% of families report one parent returning to work while their baby is still in hospital. Discusses challenges faced by women returning to work post-maternity leave and argues that enabling more women to return confidently will boost economic growth.

Richard Fuller supports the Bill for its balance in addressing neonatal care. He highlights the importance of impact assessments, noting that the Bill will enhance value for businesses by strengthening family support after a traumatic period. However, he raises concerns about HMRC's £5 million cost to update IT systems and ongoing costs to businesses. He also seeks clarification on legal risk for employers if an employee first does not claim their right but later does.

David Johnston pays tribute to Stuart C. McDonald for his Bill and acknowledges Bliss's role in raising awareness on neonatal care issues. He supports the statutory leave due to its moral importance, highlighting the financial difficulties faced by parents and the impact on their mental health and relationships. The Bill complements other measures like shared parental leave and addresses disparities in women’s health services.

Ms. Anderson supports the Neonatal Leave Bill, emphasising its importance for parents whose babies require neonatal care. She highlights that the bill will provide statutory leave and pay to both parents if their baby is in hospital for at least seven days before reaching 28 days of age. She notes that about 70% of families return to work during a significant neonatal stay, citing statistics from Bliss that indicate many fathers and non-birthing partners are worried about job security when asking for more time off. Anderson argues the bill is necessary as it offers clear employment protections against dismissal or detrimental actions due to taking leave.

The Bill is supported by the Government as it will enable thousands of parents to care for their newborns in neonatal care without worrying about job security. It will provide statutory leave entitlement that protects employees against any detriment and ensures that all workers have a right to carer’s leave.

The Government is eroding workers’ rights by bringing forward legislation to prevent workers from using their fundamental right to strike. This Bill does not address other measures needed to protect workers' rights.

The Government should ensure that regulations are flexible enough for individuals to claim their statutory rights at the right time, in the right way. This would make it easier for workers to claim leave and pay automatically without having to go through a paper process.

Expressed gratitude to hon. Members for their contributions, highlighted the importance of supporting neonatal staff, emphasised the limited expenditure on the Exchequer, acknowledged the challenges faced by fathers in rural areas due to sick pay reliance, and thanked various charities and individuals who have supported the Bill.