A UNANIMOUS vote by councillors has prompted Cherwell District Council to approve extra leave for parents of premature babies.

The council passed the motion backed by the full council at a meeting on Monday.

It follows the motion put forward by Cherwell District Council Labour leader Sean Woodcock who called for one week extra paid leave for parents for every week that a premature baby spends in hospital prior to its due date.

It was agreed unanimously to be adopted for council employees with an amendment for other employees experiencing issues around childbirth to be considered at the discretion of senior managers.

Mr Woodcock said: "In the spirit of the season, Cherwell District Council has agreed to set a really positive example to other employers both locally and nationally.

"This may seem only a small thing, but actually for those affected it will have a huge impact.

"I am pleased that the Labour group was able to get this through with the support of the rest of the council."

The motion was originally put through by Mr Woodcock and seconded by councillor Hannah Banfield.

It will be implemented at Cherwell District Council and applied to any council employees who go on to have a baby born prematurely.