Millions of people across the UK who are currently providing
unpaid care to dependant family members or friends will be
entitled to unpaid leave under new laws backed by the government
today.
Around 2 million of those providing unpaid care are thought to be
doing so while balancing work alongside their caring
responsibilities. With no dedicated statutory leave entitlement
for these informal carers currently in place, many have to resort
to taking other forms of leave to ensure they can care for those
dependent on them.
The Carer’s Leave Bill, introduced by and backed by the
government, will introduce a new and highly flexible entitlement
of one week’s unpaid leave per year for employees who are
providing or arranging care.
Carer’s Leave will be available to eligible employees from the
first day of their employment, meaning unpaid carers will be
supported regardless of how long they’ve worked with their
employer. Staff will be able to take the leave flexibly to suit
their caring responsibilities and will not need to provide
evidence of how the leave is used or who it will be used for,
ensuring a smoother process for both businesses and their
employees.
Business Minister said:
Carers play a vital role in our society, and it is only right
that we support them so they can balance their caring
responsibilities with their working life.
These reforms will not only better the lives of millions of
unpaid carers across the UK, but also the friends and family that
are dependent on their compassion every day.
Employees taking their carer’s leave entitlement will be subject
to the same employment protections that are associated with other
forms of family related leave, meaning they will be protected
from dismissal or any detriment as a result of having taken time
off.
By making it easier for people to support their loved ones,
employers are likely to benefit from less staff turnover and a
reduction in recruitment and training costs by retaining
employees who previously would have been unable to balance their
caring responsibilities and working life.
for North East Fife
said:
I am delighted that my Carers Leave Bill has passed its second
reading today. When passed this will give millions of carers
employments rights for the first time ever. It is a landmark
change in how businesses support their employees.
I want to thank the carers and businesses who have spoken to me
in support of Carers Leave. It is clear that this policy is a
win-win. Carers, without whom our society wouldn’t function, are
supported to better balance work and home without burning out;
and businesses have happier, more motivated workers with higher
retention rates.
Helen Walker, Carers UK Chief Executive said:
We are thrilled that the government has supported the Carer’s
Leave Bill at its successful second reading. Having worked to
support carers in employment for years, Carers UK’s evidence
shows Carer’s Leave would make a significant difference to unpaid
carers’ lives, helping them stay in work and improving wellbeing
by giving time off to attend appointments, arrange or provide
care. As well as supporting families, it also makes business
sense, helping retain skilled employees.
Today’s reforms form part of the government’s wider efforts to
ensure more people stay in work with more employees on payrolls
than ever before – and with unemployment at an all-time low.
The government consulted on
proposals for a Carer’s Leave Bill in 2020, with a response
to the consultation being published in September 2021.
Notes to editors
See full details of the
Carer’s Leave Bill.
This bill amends or inserts new provisions into the Employment
Rights Act 1996.
More information about Carer’s
allowance.
