A BILL to introduce paid leave for parents with a baby in neonatal care will be published on Monday.
SNP MP Stuart McDonald, who represents Cumbernauld, Kilsyth, and Kirkintilloch East, introduced his Private Member’s Bill to the House of Commons last month.
It came with the support of Bliss, the leading charity for premature and sick babies.
The bill is due to receive its second reading on Friday and, if passed, could help thousands of families across the UK by ensuring all parents of premature and sick babies are entitled to additional paid maternity and paternity leave.
McDonald said: “No parent should have to choose between having to go to work to pay bills and put food on the table or staying with their newborn in neonatal care – particularly as we continue to face a cost-of-living crisis.”
For every seven babies born in the UK, one is admitted to neonatal care shortly after birth which results in thousands of parents being forced to choose between going to work or staying at the hospital with their newborn.
McDonald continued: “I am proud this Bill will be published today to take us one step closer to changing the law to ensure parents of premature and sick babies get the financial support they need during a very difficult and stressful time.
“I’d like to thank Bliss and many other organisations who have been campaigning for this Bill and I now hope we can secure support from all parties for the bill at its second reading.”
Qualifying parents would be entitled to additional paid leave from work if their baby spends more than seven or more consecutive days being cared for in a health setting before they reach 28 days of life.
Leave and pay will be available for the duration of their baby’s care for up to 12 weeks.
McDonald added: “Thousands of families across Scotland and the UK are counting on us to pass this crucial legislation as soon as possible.”
