On 24th May 2023, three new laws were given the green light to be introduced. These laws are intended to provide additional protections for parents and carers during their employment.
So what are these new family friendly rights?
- Up to 12 weeks of paid neonatal care leave – this is for employed parents whose newborn children have been admitted into neonatal care. This would be in addition to their usual family leave entitlements such as maternity and paternity leave.
- Extended redundancy protection which provides enhanced rights to employees who are at risk of redundancy while pregnant, on maternity/adoption/shared parental leave but also for new parents returning to work. This is intended to protect new parents and expectant mothers from discrimination in the workplace as well as providing them with more job security.
- Carer’s leave for employees who provide care to a dependant with a long term condition. Under the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, they will be entitled to one week of flexible unpaid leave per year.
There is no official date for when these laws come into effect – they will now be referred back to the Government who will set out the specifics of the legislation. Still, it is important that employers familiarise themselves with the changes, ahead of its implementation.
If you’re worried about how these changes may affect you or your business, please get in touch for a free initial consultation.
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