Help for working carers

One in eight people in work is a carer. Being a carer doesn’t mean that you have to give up work.

Statutory rights

As a working carer, there are statutory rights you’ll be entitled to: 

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.

Further reading

Carers UK

Carers Trust

Supporting carers in the workplace

Employers for Carers (Efc)

Tell your employer about the Employers for Carers website which has lots of information for employers of carers.  

If you're employed by a small to medium-sized business, your employer can join Employers for Carers for free under the umbrella membership of Leicestershire County Council. This provides access to a full range of online practical resources including policies, good practice, case studies and information on key workplace issues.

You can request access to the umbrella membership:

Email the Carer’s Officer: Nicola.Jarvis@leics.gov.uk