Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what provision there is for NHS employees to take paid leave to care for their children of primary school-age and under when the child is ill.

The National Health Service Terms and Conditions Handbook Section 33: Balancing work and personal life sets out the approach employers should take to recognising employees needs for a positive work and life balance. All NHS employers must have a carer’s policy to address the needs of people with caring responsibilities.

Carer policies include the provision for paid special leave for emergencies, including caring for dependents which includes children from birth to 14 years old or to 18 years old if they have a disability. Employers are expected to be as supportive and flexible as possible in these circumstances.

Guidance was also published by NHS Employers in late March 2020 for those staff who would need to self-isolate and to care for their child where their child contracted COVID-19. Staff in this position should continue to receive full pay.