Becoming a parent in 2025? Here’s what you’re entitled to.

For parents-to-be in the UK, 2025 is bringing some significant improvements to workplace rights and entitlements. Whether you’re expecting a baby, adopting, or facing the challenges of neonatal care, these changes are designed to provide more financial support and job security during this life-changing time. Let’s take a look at what’s new. 

Statutory Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption Pay Increases 

Starting from April 2025, statutory payments for maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave are set to increase. This boost in financial support is aimed at helping parents manage the costs associated with welcoming a child into their family. 

• Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) and Statutory Adoption Pay (SAP) will increase from £184.03 to £187.18 per week. 

• Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP) will also rise to £187.18 per week. 

• This change applies to Shared Parental Pay as well, making it easier for parents to share leave in a way that works best for their family. 

While the increase may not seem huge, every little bit helps when planning for time off work. It’s part of a broader government effort to ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of parents taking the time they need to bond with their new child. 

The Introduction of Neonatal Care Leave 

One of the most important changes coming in 2025 is the introduction of Neonatal Care Leave. This new entitlement provides additional paid time off for parents whose newborns require hospital care in the early weeks of life. 

Who is Eligible? 

If your baby is admitted to a neonatal unit before they are 28 days old and stays in hospital for at least seven consecutive full days, you’ll be entitled to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave. 

How Does it Work? 

• This leave is in addition to maternity, paternity, and adoption leave, meaning parents don’t have to sacrifice their existing entitlements. 

• It applies to both employed mothers and fathers. 

• The leave must be taken within 68 weeks of the child’s birth, giving families flexibility in how they use this time. 

This change is a huge step forward for parents facing the distressing experience of neonatal care. It means they can focus on their child’s recovery without the immediate worry of work pressures or lost income. 

Why These Changes Matter 

Becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest transitions, and financial worries shouldn’t add to the stress. The increases in statutory parental pay and the introduction of neonatal leave acknowledge the realities of modern parenting. Whether you need extra time to bond with a new baby, recover from childbirth, or care for a child in hospital, these changes are designed to support you. 

If you’re expecting a baby or planning to adopt in 2025, it’s worth checking with your employer’s HR team to understand how these changes will apply to you. And if you’re an employer, ensuring compliance with these new rules will help you support your staff through this exciting – but sometimes challenging – stage of life. If you’d like advice or assistance implementing any of these changes, Ambition HR is here to help. If you feel like you’d benefit from an informal chat about your business needs, you can schedule a call online today.