Dudley Council staff to get more paid leave if children born early

The local authority is updating its policies to meet the commitments of the Smallest Things Employer Charter, supporting parents of premature babies.

It will see maternity leave extended for mothers who give birth prematurely – before 37 weeks – by the number of days a baby was born prior to their due date.

The extended leave will be at full pay and may be classed as compassionate leave.

Partners will also be given at least two extra weeks paid compassionate leave to be with their babies in hospital.

The policy change comes after a motion put forward by Councillor Ruth Buttery was approved by full council at a meeting in October last year.

Councillor Buttery put forward the motion after being contacted by constituent Matt Wilkinson. He and his wife Sally, from Halesowen, had premature twins, one tragically passing away at just 16 days old.

Since then Matt has become a trustee of The Smallest Things Charity, which is promoting the charter and campaigns on behalf of premature babies and their families.

Councillor Simon Phipps said: "Parents facing the worry and uncertainty of visiting their premature baby in hospital should not spend that time as maternity or paternity leave.

Worthwhile

"This was a very worthwhile, caring motion put forward by Councillor Buttery which we were happy to back as a council, and I have now signed the decision sheet to confirm the changes of policy."

Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children and young people, added: "I am delighted to see the motion that I put forward is now becoming a reality.

"Premature babies need more time. Time to develop, time to grow and time for mums and babies to bond at home after neonatal intensive care.

"Fortunately, it doesn’t happen very often but if we are serious about the holistic health and well-being of our staff, and they shouldn’t have to go through the pressure of an early birth while worrying about having to return to work."

Matt Wilkinson said he was delighted that Dudley Council was changing its policies to offer extra support to parents of babies born prematurely.

He said: "Our own family experience taught us how hard this experience can be. As a charity we believe visiting a fragile baby on a neonatal unit for weeks, even months, is terrifying and shouldn’t be classed as maternity or paternity leave.

"While the Government is currently consulting on changes to the law on neonatal leave and pay, it would be great for other local authorities and employers across the West Midlands to follow Dudley’s example and make this pledge."

More information on the Employer with Heart charter is available at www.thesmallestthings.org/employer-with-heart