- Millions could re-enter the
workforce if better workplace protections for unpaid
carers were implemented, saving the economy billions of pounds
each year.
- Proposals include Hugh's
Law, a campaign by It's Never You for better rights and
financial support for parents of seriously ill children.
- Ministers encourage everyone from
carers and parents to employers to respond
to consultation to shape fairest future
framework.
Millions of unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children
could be given sweeping new workplace protections through
measures announced as part of a consultation launched
by the Minister for Employment Rights.
Currently, around three million unpaid carers balance work with
caring responsibilities, yet many are forced to reduce their
hours, delay returning to employment, or leave the workforce
entirely — at an estimated cost to the economy of £37 billion a
year.
The approaches being consulted on, which
include changes to pay and leave entitlements, could see
thousands with caring responsibilities return to
work due to increased flexibility and financial
security.
The proposals under consideration include introducing paid
carer's leave for the first time, a new "right to
return" to work after a period of intensive caring — similar to
protections currently enjoyed by those on maternity leave –
and new guidance to help workers and employers better understand
carers' workplace protections. These could see thousands
with caring responsibilities return to work due to increased
flexibility and financial security.
Attending a Carers UK event with campaigners and employers at
TSB's offices in London last night, , the Minister for Employment
Rights, called on anyone with a vested interest in this issue to
provide their views to help shape the future of rights for carers
at work.
Minister for Employment Rights said:
"Whether you're caring for an elderly parent, a partner with a
long-term illness, or a child fighting a serious disease, you
shouldn't have to choose between your job and those you
love.
“These proposed reforms are about making sure the world of work
reflects the reality of people's lives.
“It was excellent to hear from so many hard-working campaigners
and caring employers about their
experiences at Carers UK's event and I look
forward to working together to create the clear
framework needed to attract, support and retain the
talented people who look after the loved ones
around them.”
Minister of State for Care said:
“Unpaid carers provide a vital service, caring for their
family, friends and loved ones. They often put the
needs of others before their own and we owe them a debt of
gratitude for all they do.
“That is why we must make sure unpaid carers are not left behind
or forgotten and our reforms will help provide the support
careers need, while making sure they are not compromising their
work or careers.”
The government is also seeking views on what has become known as
Hugh's Law — named in memory of Hugh Menai-Davis, who died aged
six from cancer in 2021. His family, alongside their
charity It's Never You, have campaigned for paid leave
and financial support for parents in the immediate and prolonged
aftermath of a child's serious diagnosis.
For parents who face the sudden reality of a seriously ill child,
the financial and practical pressure
of maintaining employment can compound an already
devastating situation.
Real experiences will be crucial for informing this process,
which is why it is so important that carers and parents as
well as businesses respond to this consultation, which will allow
employers to attract and retain skilled
staff through improved support for those with caring
responsibilities.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK,
said:
"The launch of this consultation is a significant moment in
Carers UK's longstanding campaign to secure stronger rights for
working carers. Too many carers currently have no choice but to
reduce their hours or leave work altogether because workplace
support and employment rights do not reflect the realities of
caring.
“This consultation provides an important opportunity to
address that and consider further reform, including paid Carer's
Leave. With 2.8 million unpaid carers already balancing work and
care, helping carers remain in employment is both a social and
economic priority.
“We strongly encourage carers and employers to respond to this
consultation and look forward to working with the Government to
help deliver meaningful change for carers."
Nicola Bannister, Chief Executive Officer, TSB,
said:
"We have seen first-hand the positive impact our paid carers'
leave policy has had, giving colleagues access to
an additional 70 hours of paid leave each year to help
balance their work and caring responsibilities.
“The Government's consultation is a welcome opportunity to
strengthen support for the millions of working carers across the
UK."
Notes to Editors
- The consultation will
close on 1 September 2026.
