Carers Leave Act
The Carers Leave Act is due to come into force in 2024. The new law in the workplace will cover employees across Great Britain by:
- introducing one week’s unpaid leave per year for employees who are providing or arranging care for a relative or dependant
- making this available from the first day of their employment
- offering the same employment protections to employees taking this leave. This will mean carers will be protected from dismissal or any detriment because of having taken time off.
Read more about the Right to Carer's Leave and the Carer's Leave Act support package
Statutory rights
As a working carer, there are statutory rights you’ll be entitled to:
- apply for flexible working
- time off in emergencies
- protection from discrimination
- parental leave
It’s your choice whether to tell your employer about your caring role but there may be extra support available for carers in your workplace, such as:
- carers leave (paid or unpaid)
- time off to accompany the person you are looking after to appointments (paid or unpaid)
- a carers support group or carers contact
Information and advice
If you’re looking for information and advice outside working hours, see the Find someone to talk to about caring page.