Acas has published new advice for employers to help support staff who have given birth to premature or ill babies.
The guidance sets out best practice for managing employees in these difficult circumstances. It includes advice on how best to communicate with working parents, asking parents what they would like to tell their colleagues about the situation, statutory entitlements and the need to be flexible.
‘There are over 95,000 premature or sick babies born each year in the UK. For their families this is an emotional and difficult time,’ said Acas Chief Executive, Anne Sharp. ‘Our new advice helps explain the law within this complicated area in a way that will help employers support working parents whilst taking account of the needs of their business.’
Caroline Lee-Davey, Chief Executive at the premature and sick baby charity Bliss, added that the guidelines were a welcome and useful resource that clearly highlight the measurers employers can take to support their employees if their baby is born premature or sick.
The guidance covers what is meant by a premature birth, employees’ responsibilities, how to support parents following the birth, the death of a premature or sick baby, returning to work and additional appointments following discharge from hospital.
