Issue - meetings

The HR Advisor presented this report on the implications of introducing a premature birth and neo-natal policy. She explained that the Committee could expect the Council to implement the policy once every two years.

Councillor Heather Williams, whose motion on this issue had been agreed by Council, detailed the emotional and practical strains on parents following a premature birth.

It was noted that the Council currently allowed staff to go on paid compassionate leave, but this was discretionary.

The Committee supported Option Four in the report, as this would best support officers who were parents of a premature baby, at a time of uncertainty and the costs to the Council would be affordable. It was noted that a baby was only classed as a neonate until 28 days after its expected due date and it was agreed that the policy needed to take this fact into account.

The Committee unanimously RECOMMENDED TO CABINET

That the Council introduces additional maternity and paternity pay and leave for parents of babies born prematurely (before 37 weeks). This additional pay and leave to be paid until the baby is released from hospital or until 28 days after the expected due date, whichever is earlier. At that point the parents will be entitled to their normal maternity and paternity entitlement.