Written question asked by Paula Barker (Labour) on Thursday, 12 February 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 2026. It was answered by Kate Dearden (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 2026 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

Parental Leave and Parental Pay

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what discussions he has had with Ministerial colleagues on publicising entitlement to Neonatal Care Pay and Leave in hospitals and other health settings to parents who could potentially be eligible.

Answer: Neonatal Care Leave and Pay was introduced in April 2025 and as part of its introduction, my department has made strong efforts to raise awareness of the new entitlement to ensure eligible parents can access it. Charities, including Bliss, have supported the department with publicising the entitlement to parents in hospitals and other health settings. The entitlement has already been used by thousands of employees to support them through one of the most challenging times a parent can find themselves in.

Secondary information