Issue - meetings

Local Joint Consultative Committee

13 November 2024

The Joint Committee considered the proposed Neonatal Policy.  It was noted that this was a new policy, with a number of updates from central government pending, including a definition of neonatal care.

Consideration was given to the difference between the right to take leave and to be paid.  It was requested that the wording regarding the eligibility for paid leave being 26 weeks continuous service be made clearer.  It was further requested that there be an addition to the policy stating that the Chief Executive should have discretion in instances where the Neonatal Policy is used, in conjunction with the Human Resources Manager and that it be clarified that a period of absence related to the policy would not impact on probation.

          RECOMMENDED to Cabinet that the Neonatal Care Policy, with the following amendments, be approved.

1.    that the wording regarding the eligibility for paid leave being 26 weeks continuous service be made clearer

2.    that the Chief Executive should have discretion in instances where the Neonatal Policy is used, in conjunction with the Human Resources Manager

3.    that it be clarified that a period of absence related to the policy would not impact on probation.

The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 received Royal Assent on 24 May 2023, and will come into force in 2025. Its intention is to provide parents with a right to twelve weeks’ leave when their baby requires neonatal care. Neonatal Care Leave would run consecutively to existing parental leave entitlements, effectively extending maternity and paternity leave.

RESOLVED that the Neonatal Care Leave Policy, with the following amendments, be approved.

1.     That the wording regarding the eligibility for paid leave being 26 weeks’ continuous service be made clearer.

2.     That the Chief Executive will have discretion in instances where the Neonatal Policy is used, in conjunction with the Human Resources Manager.

3.     That it be clarified that a period of absence related to the Policy would not impact on probation.

Reason

The Act seeks to provide parents of newborns who require medical or palliative care for seven or more consecutive days within the first 28 days of life, additional leave of up to twelve weeks.