A new law granting Carer’s Leave passes Parliament, impacting two million employees.
- This legislation allows those with unpaid caring duties up to five days of leave.
- Carer’s Leave Act ensures protection against dismissal, similar to other family leave.
- Carers UK praises the Act, anticipating wide benefits from 6th April 2024.
- The law covers advance notice, flexibility in leave-taking, and employment protections.
In a significant legislative development, Parliament has passed a law granting a new right of Carer’s Leave to employees in Great Britain. This law allows employees who have unpaid caring duties for a family member or friend to take up to five days of unpaid leave. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately two million people when it comes into force on 6th April 2024.
The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 establishes critical protections for employees taking this leave. Specifically, employees will enjoy protections from dismissal and other negative employment actions, aligning these protections with those provided for other forms of family-related leave.
Furthermore, the Act stipulates that the leave can be taken in blocks or as separate full or half days. Employees must provide their employers with advance notice, which must be twice the length of the intended leave period. This flexibility is designed to assist carers in managing their dual responsibilities of work and caregiving.
Carers UK, a leading advocate for working carers, has been instrumental in the formulation and passage of this legislation. Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, expressed profound satisfaction, stating that the Act marks a vital moment in recognising the contributions of unpaid carers. Walker emphasised the importance of the role unpaid carers play, highlighting how the Act would help them maintain their employment whilst managing care responsibilities.
Wendy Chamberlain MP, who spearheaded the introduction of the Act, underscored the ubiquitous nature of caring responsibilities, indicating that at some point, almost everyone will experience being a carer. Chamberlain lauded the Act’s potential to bolster carer’s rights, although she noted aspirations for extending the leave to ten paid days in the future.
Chris O’Shea, Group Chief Executive at Centrica, expressed strong support for the Act, drawing attention to the emotional and financial burdens faced by working carers. O’Shea highlighted Centrica’s practice of providing paid leave to carers and pointed out the broader business benefits, including employee retention and reduced absenteeism.
As the implementation date approaches, Carers UK urges employers to familiarise themselves with the new provisions. The Act represents a pivotal change in how businesses can support carers, with significant implications for workplace practices.
The Carer’s Leave Act heralds a transformative shift in support for working carers, setting a benchmark for future legislative advances.
