Supporting Working Parents With Premature Babies (UK)

The law relating to the complicated issues relating to the birth of premature or sick babies to working parents is explained in new guidance from Acas that also explains how employers can help and support their staff through an emotional and difficult time.

More than 95,000 premature or sick babies are born every year and work may be the last thing their parents want to think about. ‘Workplace support for parents with premature or sick babies’ provides information for employees and employers and sets out best practice guidance for managing employees in all the related circumstances – including supporting the parents following the birth and, unfortunately, sometimes the death of the baby.

Key advice for employers includes

• ask parents if they are happy to be contacted and the best way to do this, eg email, text or phone
• ask parents what they would like to tell their work colleagues about their situation
• as well as mothers, fathers and partners may need to take time off; make them aware of statutory entitlements around leave and pay such as paternity and shared parental leave
• try to be flexible in giving time off when parents return to work as the baby may need follow-up hospital appointments