DUDLEY Council is set to give more paid leave to staff whose babies are born prematurely.

The local authority is updating its policies to meet the commitments of the Smallest Things Employer Charter after a motion was put forward calling for the move by Councillor Ruth Buttery last October.

The update will see maternity leave extended for mothers who give birth prematurely, which is classed 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.

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.

Matt said: "I am delighted that Dudley Council is changing its policies 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."

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."

Dudley joins councils in Croydon, Westminster and Leeds in backing the charter, along with Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals and Medway NHS Foundation Trusts.