Last week, the Carer’s Leave Act became UK law, bringing in new rights for unpaid carers who work.
Until recently, unpaid carers didn’t have a right to time off from work for caring responsibilities. This has left many people feeling forced to use their holiday allowance or having to take sick leave.
Last year, a new law was passed through Parliament that gives unpaid carers the right to up to five days’ unpaid leave from work for their caring responsibilities. On Saturday the law passed into regulations, meaning that the Carer’s Leave Act is now in effect.
Who can the Carer’s Leave Act help?
If you’re an unpaid carer and you also have a paid job, the Carer’s Leave Act could help.
Many people with MS have friends or family members who help look after them. This could be in all sorts of ways like intimate care or helping someone get washed and dressed. In the eyes of the law, anyone who looks after someone, and doesn’t get paid for it, is an unpaid carer, even if you wouldn’t define yourself as one.
What does the Carer’s Leave Act give me?
The Carer’s Leave Act says anyone in employment who cares for someone can take up to five days’ unpaid leave for their caring responsibilities every year. You don’t need to have already told your employer you’re a carer to use the law. And you don’t have to tell your employer what you want to use it for.
You can find out more information about the Carer’s Leave Act and how carer’s leave works on the Carers UK website.
