Parents and carers to be given new protections at work

Three Private Members' Bills, supported by the Government and now approved by the Royal Assent, will introduce new employment safeguards for parents and unpaid caregivers.

Kevin Hollinrake, the Business Minister, acknowledged the challenges faced by parents caring for a newborn in neonatal care or those balancing work with caregiving responsibilities. He emphasised that the additional protections would ensure they receive the necessary support.

Highlighting distressing findings from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), he stated that approximately one in nine mothers experienced dismissal, compulsory redundancy, or mistreatment severe enough to force them to leave their jobs.

Moreover, charitable organisations have been advocating for increased assistance for caregivers, underscoring the importance of not having to choose between caring for loved ones and providing for their families through work.

The upcoming legislation comprises three Acts that will establish new safeguards in these areas.

1. The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act will enable employed parents with a newborn in neonatal care to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave, in addition to existing entitlements like maternity and paternity leave, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
2. The Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act will extend redundancy protections applicable during maternity, adoption, or shared parental leave to cover pregnancy and a specified duration after a new parent's return to work.
3. The Carer's Leave Act will establish a statutory entitlement to unpaid leave for employees caring for a dependent with long-term care needs.

The Business Minister confirmed that the Government intends to introduce secondary legislation at a later stage to implement these new entitlements.