Purpose

This proposal will:
•Provide financial support to employees during a critical time which will help to reduce stress
•Ensure consistency with a number of other Councils across the South West Region
•Align with the Council’s value & behaviour of valuing our people

Decision

The Council has introduced a Neonatal Care Policy to ensure compliance with the new Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act 2023 which came into effect in April 2025. The Act provides for 12 weeks of statutory pay.
This new policy aims to support parents whose newborns require neonatal care, alleviating financial burdens and work-related stress during critical times.
In support of this aim we propose that the requirement for the Council to pay the statutory element for Neonatal leave is uplifted to cover an employee’s full pay for the full 12-week period. The proposal to offer occupational neonatal pay supports families during challenging times and ensures parents can focus on their child's health without financial stress. It will also provide consistency with a number of other Council’s in the Southwest region that are also considering a full pay element for this new leave.

Alternative options considered

Option 1 -
Option 2 -
Option 3 -