1. Purpose & Commitment

At Automata, we are committed to supporting employees during the critical and often challenging time when a newborn requires neonatal care. We recognise the emotional, physical, and financial impact this can have on parents and caregivers.

With the introduction of the UK Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act, employees will have additional protections and support to help them manage work and family responsibilities. This policy outlines the entitlements and support available to employees whose babies require neonatal care.

2. Eligibility

This policy applies to all employees, including those on maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave, who have a baby requiring hospital care in a neonatal unit for at least seven continuous days within the first 28 days after birth.

Both parents, regardless of their length of service, are entitled to neonatal leave. Employees with a minimum of 26 weeks’ continuous service and earnings above the lower earnings limit will also be eligible for statutory neonatal pay.

3. Neonatal Leave Entitlement

• Employees can take up to 12 weeks of neonatal leave, in addition to their existing parental leave entitlements (e.g., maternity, paternity, or shared parental leave).
• Neonatal leave must be taken in continuous blocks and can be taken during the neonatal care period or at a later date, including following parental leave.
• Neonatal leave can be taken during the period of neonatal care or at a later date, depending on the employee’s circumstances and business needs.
• All neonatal leave must be taken within 68 weeks of the child’s date of birth (or placement, where applicable). This equates to approximately 16 months from birth.
• The leave can be taken from day one of employment, with no minimum service requirement.

4. Neonatal Pay Entitlement

• Eligible employees (those with 26 weeks of service and earning above the lower earnings limit) will receive statutory neonatal pay for up to 12 weeks.
• The rate of pay will align with Statutory Neonatal Pay (SNP), set by the government, similar to statutory maternity and paternity pay. This is paid at the statutory prescribed rate (initially £187.18 from April 2025) or 90% earnings if lower.
• Automata offers an enhanced neonatal pay policy: eligible employees will receive 50% of their salary for up to 12 weeks, which will be paid in place of the statutory amount, ensuring greater financial support during this period.

5. Requesting Neonatal Leave

Employees should inform their line manager and HR as soon as possible if they need to take neonatal leave. To request leave, employees will need to provide:

• Notification of the baby’s hospital admission, including dates of care.