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PRESS RELEASE : Parents to receive day one right to neonatal care leave and pay [January 2025]
The press release issued by the Department of Business and Trade on 20 January 2025.

Thousands of working families with babies in neonatal care will be entitled to additional time off as a day one right.
- New right to neonatal care leave and pay confirmed from 6 April, expected to benefit around 60,000 new parents.
- Measures ensure employed parents can focus on supporting their new family without worrying about choosing between keeping their job and spending time with their baby.
- The Government is delivering our Plan for Change by supporting working families and protecting working people’s payslips
Thousands of working families with babies in neonatal care will be entitled to additional time off as a day one right, the government has confirmed today (Monday 20 January).

Currently, many working families across the UK are having to return to work while their babies are sick in hospital, and these measures aim to address some of the difficulties that thousands of parents face when their baby is in neonatal care.

The Government is committed to providing the support families need to allow them to be by their child’s side without having to work throughout or use up their existing leave.

Neonatal Care Leave will apply to parents of babies who are admitted into neonatal care up to 28 days old and who have a continuous stay in hospital of 7 full days or longer. These measures will allow eligible parents to take up to 12 weeks of leave (and, if eligible, pay) on top of any other leave they may be entitled to, including maternity and paternity leave.

The government has today laid regulations to implement the change, which subject to Parliamentary approval, will take effect from 6 April 2025 and follows the passing of the Neonatal Care (Leave and Pay) Act in 2023.

This measure comes alongside the Employment Rights Bill and delivers on the government’s commitment to support families and protect the payslips of working people as part of the Plan for Change.

Employment Rights Minister Justin Madders said:

Parents of children in neonatal care have more than enough to worry about without being concerned about how much annual leave they have left or whether they’ll be able to make ends meet.

This entitlement will deliver certainty to them and their employers, setting baseline protections that give them the peace of mind to look after the one thing that matters most – their newborn baby.

Like many measures included in the government’s other employment rights reforms, neonatal care leave will be a day one right, meaning that it will be available to an employee from their first day in a new job.

Alongside the leave entitlement, Statutory Neonatal Care Pay will be available to those who meet continuity of service requirements and a minimum earnings threshold.

Founder of The Smallest Things, Catriona Ogilvy, said:

The Smallest Things is delighted to see Neonatal Leave and Pay move one step closer to being available to thousands of parents whose babies are born sick or premature.

The stress and trauma experienced by families during a neonatal stay cannot be underestimated. In an instant, their world is turned upside down. No parent or carer should be sitting beside an incubator worrying about pay or work.

This much-needed additional leave and pay means parents and carers can be with their baby or babies in hospital. We know the journey doesn’t end when it’s time to go home. The new law will give families essential time at home to bond, begin to recover from trauma and to care for a fragile baby or babies without the pressure of finances or returning to work too soon.

This legislation is long-overdue and The Smallest Things is overjoyed that – after tirelessly campaigning for 10 years to bring the power of parent voices to change-makers – we are finally on the brink of seeing this vital support become a reality.

Chief Executive at Bliss, Caroline Lee-Davey, said:

At Bliss we know just how important it is that babies born premature or sick have both parents at their side in neonatal care during their challenging first weeks and months of life, playing a hands-on role in their care. By contrast, the lack of additional parental leave rights for parents to date has forced many to make the unimaginable choice to return to work in order to pay their bills while their baby is desperately ill in hospital. That is why Bliss is so proud to have led campaigning for the introduction of the Neonatal Care (Leave & Pay) Act, which will provide thousands of employed parents every year with the assurance that they can take the time to be with their sick baby when they need it most.

We are delighted that the Act will be implemented from 6 April this year and look forward to working with the Government and employers to ensure that all parents who are eligible know about this new entitlement, as well as the wider information and support that they can access from Bliss throughout their neonatal journey.

Since coming to power, this Government has introduced the Employment Rights Bill to upgrade workers’ rights across the UK, tackle poor working conditions and benefit businesses and workers alike. This includes bringing forward 28 individual employment reforms, from ending exploitative zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices to establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for millions of workers.

The Government is also bringing forward measures to help make the workplace more compatible with people’s lives, with flexible working made the default where practical, large employers required to create action plans on addressing gender pay gaps, support for employees through the menopause, and strengthened protections against dismissal for pregnant women and new mothers.
January 24, 2025
NEWS STORY : Led By Donkeys Project Image of Elon Musk Following Nazi Salute

STORY

Led by Donkeys, the British campaign group, have projected an image of controversial business leader Elon Musk with the Nazi salute he allegedly gave earlier this week whilst at a rally at the inauguration of Donald Trump as the President. The image was projected outside the Tesla gigafactory in Berlin, Germany. Musk refused to apologise or explain the incident, instead issuing a statement stating:

“Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.”

January 22, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 10 January 1925

10 JANUARY 1925

The efforts of the German chancellor to form a cabinet have failed in the face of gathering obstacles, the last of them the attitude of the People’s party. President Ebert has been informed of the situation, and it is thought probable that he will ask Dr. Luther, the finance minister, to take up the task.

There was no full session of the inter-allied finance conference, but conversations between the heads of the principal delegations took place during the day. It is believed that satisfactory progress was made towards an Anglo-American understanding on reparation claims and towards a compromise with Belgium on the latter’s priority claim.

Marked “urgent and important,” the N.U.R. have forwarded a circular to all branches advising members not to join the proposed supplementary army reserve until satisfactory guarantees are obtained that under no circumstances will the reserve be used during a dispute between the railway companies and their employees.

A communist plot was discovered in Italy, where the police are continuing their campaign against all “subversive centres.”

January 20, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 9 January 1925

9 JANUARY 1925

Private conversations took place in Paris between Mr Churchill, Colonel Logan, and M. Clementel on various questions connected with war claims. A plenary sitting of the Allied Finance Conference afterwards took place. There is hope of agreement on the main questions before the Conference.

Dr Marx has been asked by the President of the Reich to form a Government as speedily as possible. If he has difficulty in filling the posts Dr Marx will fill them with Under Secretaries.

In a letter to the Naval Committee of the House of Representatives, Mr Hughes, Secretary of State, expressed the view that the elevation of guns in American capital ships would not constitute a violation of the Washington Treaty, although such action might have an unfortunate effect in tending to promote competition in naval armaments.

In a letter to the Postmaster-General, the Union of Post Office Workers states the grounds on which it asks that a joint committee be formed to go into the new wage claim of the Union in respect of all grades of the service.

At the sitting of the Royal Commission on Food Prices the question of cold storage in Britain was raised, and it was contended that the present London rates were a great tax on the meat business.

An Egyptian who has given himself up to the police is expected to prove of considerable assistance in connection with certain lines of inquiry now being followed up for the murderers of the Sirdar.

January 20, 2025
NEWS FROM 100 YEARS AGO : 8 January 1925

8 JANUARY 1925

The Conference of Allied Finance Ministers was opened at Paris. Replying to a speech of welcome by M. Clementel, Mr Winston Churchill emphasised the limited and technical character of the work ahead. Important as
were the issues involved in the Conference, they were not issues comparable with those settled at many previous inter-Allied gatherings. The interest of the Conference lay in the prospect opened out in London of sure and
reasonable advance towards a better state of things in Europe. The discussion would be complicated, and the interests were conflicting; but above and beyond the special claims of any Power represented stood the need for
harmony in mood and for simplicity in method.

The German reply to the Allied Note on the evacuation of Cologne complains of the hardship of the occupation, and insists on her military weakness. The Note further declares that if the Allied Governments in their further dealing with the question of evacuation as well as of disarmament would be guided by the spirit shown at the London Conference, it would be possible to come to a speedy settlement.

A declaration of Liberal principles and aims to be submitted for approval of the forthcoming party Convention has been issued.

Sir Philip Proctor, giving evidence before the Royal Commission on Food Prices, stated that of the nation’s total consumption of meat 27 per cent. was mutton and 73 per cent. beef.

January 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : UK firms boosted by new qualifications agreement with Switzerland [January 2025]
The press release issued by the Department for Business and Trade on 20 January 2025.

UK-qualified professionals to find it easier to work in Switzerland, as new permanent agreement ensures professional qualifications can be recognised.
- New agreements make it easier for UK-qualified people in professions from law and veterinary to ski instructing to work in Switzerland
- Agreement comes into force ahead of Business Secretary flying to Davos to promote UK as one of the world’s top investment destinations for global firms
- Talks continue on an upgraded UK-Switzerland trade deal to further strengthen services trade, already worth £27 billion a year.
UK-qualified businesspeople will now find it easier to work in Switzerland and vice versa, as a new permanent agreement ensures professional qualifications can be recognised in both countries, supporting businesses to grow oversees and driving forward economic growth.

The UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement, which replaces the now expired arrangements under the Citizens’ Rights Agreement, will ensure UK-qualified professionals in regulated sectors have a smooth and transparent route for their qualifications to be recognised in Switzerland.

This will help to put money back in working people’s pockets by making it easier for employers to work between both countries, increasing trade and strengthening economies on both sides.

The agreement applies to over 200 UK professions ranging from lawyers and auditors to driving instructors and cabin crew, and also includes anaesthetists for the first time.

For regulated professions, the ability to sell services overseas is often dependant on their qualifications being recognised by foreign regulators. The agreement could therefore help boost UK-Swiss trade, already worth £46 billion a year, particularly in professional and business services, worth £8 billion.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

As a former trainee solicitor, I know the challenges faced by UK professionals when working abroad and innovative agreements like this will make a real difference to our world-class services sectors.

As a resolutely pro-business Government, we want to make it as seamless as possible for UK businesses to operate abroad. With the UK and Switzerland being two global leaders in services trade, this agreement is testament to our unwavering commitment to economic growth.

The agreement also includes a bespoke route to recognition for certain legal professionals, so lawyers can become qualified in the other country after practising for three years. This is vital as Switzerland is one of the largest and most important export markets for UK legal services in Europe.

It will make it easier for businesses to deploy their qualified staff between UK and Swiss locations and safeguard the autonomy of UK and Swiss professional regulators to set standards and decide who is fit to practise the profession.

A separate recognition of qualifications deal has also been signed making it easier for UK-qualified ski instructors to work in Switzerland, one of the world’s leading snowsports destinations, thanks to the work of the British Association of Snowsports Instructors and Swiss Snowsports.

This welcome news comes as negotiations continue at pace on an enhanced UK-Swiss Free Trade Agreement, aimed at further strengthening UK-Swiss ties in services, investment and digital trade and delivering economic growth and jobs across the UK.

Justice Minister Sarah Sackman KC said:

Our lawyers are some of the best in the world and this agreement will provide exciting opportunities for them to work and practice in Switzerland.

Legal services contributed £37 billion to the UK economy in 2023 and this positive step builds on that, strengthening the UK’s legal ties around the globe and boosting our economy.

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said:

We’re pleased to see this agreement come into effect. Close trading ties with our European neighbours are crucial to British architecture’s global success and this agreement helps smooth the path for practices to export their professional services and expand beyond borders.

By exchanging talent, expertise and ideas, both countries have much to gain. We hope to see architects based in the UK and Switzerland make the most of this opportunity.

Financial Reporting Council CEO Richard Moriarty:

Securing mutual recognition agreements with global partners is good for the future skills and resilience of the UK audit profession which plays an important role in supporting UK growth.

This UK-Switzerland Recognition of Professional Qualifications Agreement will support UK audit firms to export their services and enhance the profession’s ability to trade across the globe.

Notes to editors
- UK-Switzerland services trade was worth £27 billion in the 12 months to June 2024 .
- UK professional and business services exports were worth £8 billion in the 12 months to June 2024.
January 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Emergency cash tripled for rough sleepers this winter [January 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government on 20 January 2025.

The government is tripling the Rough Sleeping Winter Pressures Funding from £10 million to £30 million.
- Winter funding tripled to protect more rough sleepers from cold weather
- An extra £20 million for over 280 councils to provide warm beds for those sleeping rough long term
- Supporting the government’s Plan for Change to deliver safe and secure housing for all
More rough sleepers will be helped off the streets and provided warm beds this winter thanks to new emergency funding given to local councils today.

The Rough Sleeping Winter Pressures Funding, a government scheme to increase the use of emergency accommodation for rough sleepers, will be tripled from £10 million to £30 million. The cash will go directly into areas with record levels of rough sleeping, ultimately saving lives and supporting thousands of vulnerable people in society facing the cold weather.

Those experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping are 8 to 12 times more likely to die prematurely, particularly from chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and those sleeping rough during winter are at even greater risk of ill health and long-term sickness.

Over 280 councils, including all London boroughs, will now have extra resources at their disposal to support frontline workers providing vital services on the ground, which will see more people sleeping rough into safe and secure accommodation with warm beds, hot meals and medical treatment.

The new funding will also continue supporting specialist programmes for vulnerable groups sleeping rough including veterans, care leavers and victims of domestic abuse. This is alongside giving lifechanging support to people who have slept rough long-term, with critical outreach staff helping to address substance abuse and provide employment opportunities.

Minister for Homelessness, Rushanara Ali said:

“Behind every sad rough sleeping statistic, there is a person who has been let down by the system for far too long. This government is more determined than ever to turn the tide on years of failure to properly invest in our frontline services.

“That is why I am tripling the emergency funding from £10 million to £30 million for councils to help the most vulnerable into safe and secure housing with warm beds, hot meals, and specialist care.

“Through our Plan for Change we are already taking urgent action to tackle the worst housing crisis in living memory, delivering the biggest boost in social and affordable housing in a generation and getting us back on track to end homelessness for good.”

A sharp rise in rough sleeping in recent years represents a complete failure in the housing crisis inherited by the government, with almost 360,000 households approaching their council for help with homelessness over the last year.

Today’s emergency cash injection is just one branch of the government’s Plan for Change to raise living standards for working people and families, deliver the biggest boost in affordable and social housing in a generation, and strengthen rights and protections for tenants.

It builds on the largest-ever investment in homelessness prevention services of almost £1 billion for this year, including over £185 million for the Rough Sleeping Prevention and Recovery Grant, so councils can better prioritise when providing warm beds and shelter for people at risk, or experiencing, rough sleeping.

This is alongside more than £37 million for the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme that will cover ongoing costs to help rough sleepers into longer term housing and secure more specialist staff supporting their mental health and substance abuse problems.

A new dedicated Inter-Ministerial Group is also bringing together ministers to develop a long-term strategy across the healthcare, justice and education systems, as part of the government’s wider drive to tackle the root causes of rough sleeping and get the country back on track to ending homelessness for good.

One of the leading causes of homelessness, Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, will be abolished for new and existing tenancies through the landmark Renters’ Rights Bill which is now another step closer to becoming law following last week’s third reading.

Through overdue reforms to the Right to Buy scheme councils can now retain all receipts from sales to build and buy more homes as well as receiving an additional £450 million last year to secure and create homes for families at risk of homelessness.

Government investment in housing has now increased to £5 billion for this year, including an extra £500 million for the existing Affordable Homes Programme to build tens of thousands of affordable homes across the country.

Further information

The government previously announced an emergency £10 million package for the Rough Sleeping Winter Pressures Funding last November.
January 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : Government push to inform victims of their rights [January 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 20 January 2025.

Young adults who fall victim to crime will be better supported through a new Government campaign.
- Government launches new Victims’ Code campaign – ‘Understand Your Rights’
- Push targeted at young adults who are at greatest risk of crime – ensuring they get support where and when they need it
- New drive key part of delivering on Government’s Plan for Change to create safer streets and support victims
The Victims’ Code sets out in clear and simple language what victims can expect from the criminal justice system, including the level of support they are entitled to.

Research shows that while young adults are more likely to be victims of violent crime, too many are unaware of their rights – with just one in five victims aware of the Victims’ Code.

The new push launched today will bolster confidence in the criminal justice system and the level of support victims can expect to receive – underpinning the Government’s Plan for Change to create safer streets.

Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said:

Seeking the support of the law can be daunting if you’re a victim of crime. It is vital that we ensure victims understand their rights and what they can expect from the criminal justice system.

Through this campaign, we will reach every corner of England and Wales so that everyone knows they can turn to the Victims’ Code, whatever the crime and whoever they are.

Organisations that work with victims, like the Police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), are responsible for ensuring that victims’ rights are upheld.

Commenting on the campaign, the Victims’ Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, said:

The Victims’ Code explains the rights that everyone is entitled to receive as a victim of crime: respectful treatment, clear information, and access to support.

Yet, awareness of these rights remains low – and that is why this campaign is so important.

Agencies too often fall short in upholding victims’ rights, and that must change. Raising awareness is a crucial step, empowering victims to stand up for themselves and hold agencies accountable.

Today’s news comes ahead of bolstered measures to strengthen the Victims’ Commissioner’s powers to increase accountability for delivery of the Victims’ Code.

The Government will also be consulting on the Victims’ Code in early 2025 in order to further strengthen standards for victims.

Further Information
- The ‘Understand Your Rights’ Victims’ Code campaign raises awareness of the Victims’ Code and highlights that it is there for every victim, whatever the crime. The campaign directs users to understand their rights
- If you want to support the campaign, or gain access to campaign materials, please email VictimsCodeComms@justice.gov.uk
- The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) showed that in year end to March 2024, a higher percentage of younger people were a victim of violence with or without injury, with the highest rate of victimisation among those aged 16 to 24 years where the perpetrator was a stranger (2.2%) or an acquaintance (1.3%). In addition, the 2023 survey showed that the highest prevalence of victimisation by age group was in those aged 16 to 24 years (19.5%), with levels generally falling as age increased
January 20, 2025
PRESS RELEASE : New sentencing approach to cut drug-fuelled crime [January 2025]
The press release issued by the Ministry of Justice on 20 January 2025.

A new report shows how drug-fuelled crime is being tackled through tough community sentences to get offenders with addiction issues back on straight and narrow.
- Intensive Supervision Courts tackling root causes of offending to cut crime and create safer streets, as part of our Plan for Change
- New approach to reduce drug taking by offenders with severe addictions
- Offenders who do not comply face strict consequences like being sent to prison
The innovative approach of Intensive Supervision Courts means offenders regularly meet with the same judge to track their progress, face random drug testing, and have access to more support from the Probation Service to stop reoffending.

Those who fail to comply face strict consequences including increased drug testing or being sent to prison.

Over a third of offenders in the community have a drug problem and this pilot is designed for offenders with addiction issues, to tackle the drug and alcohol dependence that is fuelling their crimes.

Despite significant addiction issues at the start of the sentence, offenders tested negative for drugs over two thirds of the time, and less than a quarter of offenders needed to be sanctioned for any bad behaviour.

Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending Minister, James Timpson said:

Drug and alcohol-driven crimes make our streets less safe. This report shows there’s a different, more effective way to stop prolific offenders on a never-ending cycle of crime.

These tough, new intensive supervision sentences cuts criminal behaviour and makes our streets safer.

This approach has seen positive results across the world in cutting crime, with other countries seeing a 33% decrease in further arrests compared to people on a standard sentence. Combining many of the successful components already tested across the world, the Ministry of Justice pilot launched in 2023 with three courts in Liverpool, Teesside, and Birmingham. In June 2024, a court in Bristol was added to the pilot.

Over 150 offenders across the country have now been given this new form of sentence.

Probation staff, the judiciary and local services like drug treatment providers have reported that offenders’ drug and alcohol use has reduced and those requiring help with their mental health were now receiving the right support, some for the very first time, to help cut their offending.

The latest offender statistics show that over half (55.5%) of offenders who served a prison sentence of less than 12 months went on to commit another crime within 12 months. For those serving suspended sentence orders with requirements, the figure was just 24%.

Serving his sentence at an Intensive Supervision Court, ‘Luke’ (not his real name) discussed how this helped him understand his offending history and made him feel like he did not need to turn to crime in the future.

Offender Luke said:

Being on the Intensive Supervision Court has completely flipped my life around and given me the opportunity to be a positive role model for my two kids and a brighter future with potential jobs.

I had been a cannabis user since I was 11 and it has been one the main reasons behind my offending behaviour. This community sentence hasn’t been easy but now that I have finished, I can proudly say it’s been one year and two weeks since I have touched the drug.

Revolving Doors, the national charity dedicated to breaking the cycle of crime, helped provide insight for the report.

Pavan Dhaliwal, Chief Executive of Revolving Doors said:

What we know for sure is that prison sentences rarely work for people caught in cycles of crisis and crime and come at a huge financial and societal cost. The evidence shows that using problem-solving approaches in courts and looking to address root causes such as problematic substance use and poor mental health are the best ways to help people turn their lives around.

It is promising to see early results showing the pilot in England has been able to divert people from custody and into tailored support. We look forward to seeing how it can be widened out into a more mainstream approach to reducing reoffending and preventing more people becoming trapped in the revolving door.

Intensive Supervision courts are delivered by a multiagency team who provide wraparound support, monitoring and treatment services for offenders. To help equip offenders with the necessary tools to reduce reoffending this team includes judges, court staff, the probation service, police, treatment providers and the local authority.
January 20, 2025
Keir Starmer – 2025 Statement Ahead of President Trump’s Inauguration

The statement made by Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, on 19 January 2025.

On behalf of His Majesty’s Government and the United Kingdom, I would like to send my warmest congratulations to President Donald Trump on his inauguration as the forty-seventh President of the United States.

For centuries, the relationship between our two nations has been one of collaboration, cooperation and enduring partnership. It is a uniquely close bond. Together, we have defended the world from tyranny and worked towards our mutual security and prosperity.

With President Trump’s longstanding affection and historical ties to the United Kingdom, I know that depth of friendship will continue. The United Kingdom and United States will work together to ensure the success of both our countries and deliver for people on both sides of the Atlantic.

Since our first meeting in September, the President and I have spoken about the need to deepen and invest in the transatlantic relationship. We will continue to build upon the unshakeable foundations of our historic alliance as we tackle together the global challenges we face and take our partnership to the next level focused on shared opportunities ahead for growth.

I look forward to our next meeting as we continue our shared mission to ensure the peace, prosperity and security of our two great nations. The special relationship between the United Kingdom and United States will continue to flourish for years to come.

January 19, 2025