It’s been a week of change with three new laws gaining royal assent. The Carer’s Leave Act, Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act, and Protection from Redundancy (Pregnancy and Family Leave) Act are expected to take effect in 2024.
When introduced, these new laws will bring significant changes to employment law, so it’s important for employers in England, Scotland, and Wales to start preparing now.
Kate Palmer, HR Advice & Consultancy Director at Peninsula, looks at the changes that are coming and the impact they will have on businesses.
The Carer’s Leave Act
“This law introduces a new and highly flexible entitlement of one week’s unpaid leave per year for employees who have a dependant with a long-term care need. It is a first-day right, so will be available to eligible employees from the first day of employment with no requirement to provide evidence other than self-certification. The leave can be used for any type of care, such as taking someone to hospital appointments or assisting with financial matters. There is no restriction on how the leave is used, but usual qualifying criteria for ‘dependants’ will apply. This law has been designed to provide a smoother process for both businesses and employees.”
The Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act
“Under this law, parents of babies who are admitted into hospital aged 28 days or less will have the right to Neonatal Leave and Pay if the baby is in hospital for a continuous period of 7 days or more. The maximum amount of leave...
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