Neonatal Care Leave Policy (for Temporary Workers)

 

 

 

 

 

Neonatal Care Leave Policy for Temporary Workers
(Effective from: 6^th April 2025)

1. Policy Statement
Euro London Appointments recognises that the need for neonatal care following the birth of a child can be a stressful and challenging time for families.
We are committed to supporting our temporary workers during such circumstances.

This policy outlines the support available to temporary workers whose child requires neonatal care.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all temporary workers engaged by Euro London Appointments on a contract for services.

3. Eligibility for neonatal care leave
Temporary workers are not entitled to statutory neonatal care leave under current UK law.
However, Euro London Appointments will, where possible, support workers with flexible arrangements if their child requires neonatal care.

Neonatal care means specialist medical care that a baby receives in a hospital or similar environment following birth.

4. Support Available
Temporary workers may request one or more of the following options:

• Unpaid leave for an agreed period.
• Use of accrued annual leave (where available).
• Postponement of assignments without penalty.
• Prioritisation for re-assignment once the worker is ready to return to work.

Each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis, balancing the needs of the worker and the needs and work available with our clients.

4A. Statutory Neonatal Care Pay
Temporary workers engaged by Euro London Appointments may be eligible for Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (SNCP) if they meet the qualifying conditions, even though they are not entitled to statutory neonatal care leave.

To qualify for SNCP, a worker must generally:

·         Have been employed or engaged by Euro London Appointments for at least 26 continuous weeks by the start of the week their baby is admitted to neonatal care;

·         Earn on average at least the Lower Earnings Limit (currently £123 per week, but subject to annual review); and

·         Provide Euro London Appointments with the required notice and evidence (such as proof of the child's admission for neonatal care).

If eligible, SNCP would be paid at the statutory rate set by the government.

Workers wishing to apply for Statutory Neonatal Care Pay should contact their dedicated consultant as soon as possible to discuss eligibility and the application process.

5. How to Request Time Off
Workers should contact their designated Consultant as soon as practicable, ideally within 24 hours of becoming aware that neonatal care is required.

The following information should be provided (where possible):

• Expected duration of time off.
• Evidence of the hospital care (e.g., a hospital letter or email confirmation where possible— we will not insist on detailed medical information).

All information provided will be treated sensitively and confidentially, in line with Euro London Appointments’ Data Protection Policy.

6. Rights During Time Off

• Temporary workers will not be penalised for making a request for time off for neonatal care reasons.
• There is no automatic entitlement to pay during time off unless accrued holiday is used or an application for Statutory Neonatal Care Pay (SNCP) is granted.
• Where appropriate, Euro London Appointments will endeavour to keep the worker informed of suitable future assignments during their time off.

 

7. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or in line with any changes to UK employment legislation.