Today (Sunday 6 April), thousands of new parents each year will gain a day one right to leave and pay, if eligible, if they have a child in neonatal care.

These measures, part of the Government’s Plan for Change, helps families have greater security in work – putting more money into the pockets of working people. They will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay) on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.

Beth McCleverty, campaigns manager at Bliss, a charity which supports the families of premature and sick babies, said: “The change will be transformative for those parents who are eligible. The parents often have to choose between returning to work or being with their sick baby in hospital”.

Leo’s, a Teesside charity which supports the well-being and mental health of neonatal families, said: “The wider element of this, which is going to be huge, is raising even more awareness of premature or traumatic births that result in a neonatal stay, and the very real impact this has on parents, especially when they return to work.”

Luke Myer MP said: “Having worked with brilliant Teesside neonatal support organisations like Leo’s, I know that looking after an unwell newborn is hard enough on parents without added work-related stress. This new legislation will make a real difference to families who need it.”

Some of Luke’s previous work with Leo’s is available here and here.