Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong has welcomed a UK Government consultation on potential changes to parental leave and pay for parents of premature and sick babies.

Strangford MLA Ms Armstrong said the consultation into the extension of parental leave for such parents was because of the hard work of charities Tiny Life and Bliss.

“I am delighted to have supported Tiny Life to progress a change to legislation that will benefit parents at a time when they need the most support. The proposals, if passed, will provide parents an extra paid week off work, for every week their baby is in neonatal care.

“As part of the Industrial Strategy, Westminster is considering how best to support working families. By investing in them, it will help boost productivity and increase earning power for all. The consultation is seeking your views on how to improve parental leave that will support working families, especially if a baby has to spend time in a neonatal unit.

“I encourage everyone to take some time to complete the consultation, to send a clear message to government investment in working families is good for society and good for the economy.”

The consultation is available online and will runs until October 11: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/good-work-plan-proposals-to-support-families