In a significant development for carers, groundbreaking legislation set to take effect in April will grant employees who are unpaid carers statutory entitlement to five days of unpaid leave annually.
With one in seven employees in the UK juggling their paid jobs alongside caring responsibilities for family members or friends, the introduction of these new rights represents a crucial step towards providing much-needed support for unpaid carers.
The Carer’s Leave Act, which introduces these rights, has been warmly welcomed by charities dedicated to supporting unpaid carers, including Swindon Carers Centre.
Claire Smith, Head of Development at Swindon Carers Centre, highlighted the importance of the Carer’s Leave Act, stating, “It will provide much-needed assistance for unpaid carers who also hold paid employment. The provision of up to five days of unpaid leave per year allows carers to better manage their caring responsibilities alongside their work commitments.”
Smith also reiterated the significance of informing both employers and unpaid carers in Swindon about the new legislation, emphasising its potential to enable carers to remain in employment while simultaneously benefiting their employers through improved staff retention, well-being, and reduced hiring costs.
Kerri Callow, a registered parent carer with Swindon Carers Centre, shared her perspective as someone who juggles caring responsibilities with a full-time job at Royal Mail. Kerri, who cares for her 10-year-old son Ethan, who is autistic, expressed gratitude for her employer’s support while acknowledging the potential benefits of the new entitlement for other carers.
The Carer’s Leave Act, effective from 6th April 2024, permits employees to take up to five days of unpaid leave, which can be taken in half or full-day increments, including the option to take a full week of leave at once.
Employees using Carer’s Leave will be afforded the same employment protections as other forms of family-related leave, safeguarding them from dismissal or detrimental treatment due to taking such leave.
For further support in implementing the Carer’s Leave Act, Carers UK is offering a dedicated support package for employers, accessible via their website.
