Employer rights for employees with second jobs
Understand employer rights when employees have second jobs, including contracts, working time, conflicts of interest and dismissal.
Read More
New neonatal care leave laws are now in force. We break down the key guidance for employers from the Government and Acas.
Employment Law & HR|19 May 2025
Insight
Following our recent article on the introduction of statutory neonatal care leave and pay, which came into force on 6 April 2025, retainer clients with access to our HR Document Bank, will have seen an updated policy and supporting documentation for internal use.
As a reminder, from 6 April 2025, and subject to eligibility criteria, qualifying parents of babies admitted to neonatal care for at least seven consecutive days within the first 28 days of birth are entitled to up to 12 weeks of statutory neonatal care leave and pay.
The Government recently published an employer’s guide to statutory neonatal care, which provides employers with a detailed overview of eligibility, rights and pay. It tells employers to retain records and how to reclaim the statutory element of any payments made.
Acas has also published non-statutory guidance on neonatal care leave and pay, which not only outlines the new rights for staff but also offers practical advice in matters such as best practice and finding workable solutions.
It suggests that employers consider options such as compassionate leave or emergency time off for a dependant in the event that staff are not eligible for the new rights. It also calls for employers to be flexible and accommodating in such situations, given the highly stressful situation in which the employee will find themselves.
Finally, it offers some best practice points, including that employers allow family members or friends to notify them and provide them with updates on behalf of the employee (this would, of course, require the employee’s consent).
Contact Us
For support in implementing effective neonatal care leave policies or other HR-related policies, complete the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch.
Related Services
Knowledge
Understand employer rights when employees have second jobs, including contracts, working time, conflicts of interest and dismissal.
Read MoreDownload our probationary period resource pack to help prepare for the Employment Rights Act changes from January 2027.
Read moreDownload expert guidance on UK trade union reforms and prepare your organisation for Employment Rights Act changes.
Read moreEmployment law tips for employers managing absence, flexibility and inclusion during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Read MoreGuidance for employers on managing workplace distraction, excessive phone use and digital overload at work.
Read MoreKey April 2026 changes to trade union recognition rules and what employers should do ahead of wider reforms later this year.
Read MoreGovernment consultation begins on NDA restrictions under the Employment Rights Act 2025, with changes expected from 2027.
Read MoreEmployers can voluntarily publish menopause and gender pay gap action plans from April 2026 ahead of the 2027 legal requirement.
Read MoreUnderstand SSP 2026 updates, employer responsibilities, and common pitfalls to keep your business compliant and protect staff rights.
Read MoreEAT confirms employers should assess redundancies forward-looking, not retrospectively, when deciding if collective consultation is needed.
Read MoreLearn the 2026 National Minimum Wage rates, common employer pitfalls, and how to stay compliant with new Fair Work Agency rules.
Read MoreERA 2025 reforms take effect February 2026, changing industrial action rules, employee protections, and union obligations.
Read MoreScroll to next section
Scroll back to the top