Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether she has had discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on cross-departmental work on implementing Neonatal Leave and Pay; and whether she is taking steps with the Chancellor to ensure that the relevant Statutory Instruments are laid without delay.

We are committed to introducing Neonatal Care Leave and Pay as quickly as possible. Work is ongoing across Government to deliver these new entitlements.

Delivery requires updates to HMRC IT systems, support for employers and payroll providers to implement changes, guidance for employers and individuals, for Parliamentary consideration of a significant amount of secondary legislation, and to align with the start of a tax year.

These actions will take approximately 18 months following Royal Assent of the (Neonatal Care Leave and Pay) Bill. Therefore, delivery is planned for April 2025.