Dudley Council becomes first in West Midlands to give parents of premature babies more paid time off
They've signed the 'Smallest Things Employer with a Heart' charter
Last updated 9th Oct 2019
For the first time in the West Midlands, Dudley Council is going to give more paid time off to parents of premature children.
They were asked to back the 'Smallest Thing Employer with Heart charter' by local councillor Ruth Buttery earlier this month.
In her written motion to the full council, she said:
“Parents facing the worry and uncertainty of visiting their premature baby in hospital should not spend that time as maternity or paternity leave.
“The council understands that 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."
The charter means maternity leave for mothers who give birth early would be extended, and staff get at least two weeks' paid compassionate leave if their child is born before 37 weeks.
This week, Dudley Council have approved the motion (7 October).
It means they join Leeds, Croydon and Westminster councils who have already backed the charter along with Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals and Medway NHS Foundation Trust.
In reaction, to the news Dudley Council are extending maternity leave, Councillor Ruth Buttery said:
"Parents facing the worry and uncertainty of visiting their premature baby in hospital should not spend that time as maternity or paternity leave.
"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 they shouldn’t have to go through the pressure of an early birth while worrying about having to return to work."
Matt Wilkinson, Smallest Things Trustee, said:
"It is great that Dudley Council has signed the charter to offer additional support to parents of babies born prematurely.
"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."
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