Carer’s leave – a new right to be introduced

23 Sep 2021

The Government has published its response to the consultation on carer’s leave, which was launched back in March 2020. The aim of the consultation was to look at ways of supporting the estimated 5 million people who provide unpaid care to an elderly or disabled relative or friend. Approximately half of these unpaid carers also work.
 
As a result of the consultation, the Government has confirmed it plans to introduce a right for unpaid carers to take up to one week (five working days) of unpaid leave per year. Some points to note:
 
  • The new entitlement would be a day one right (no qualifying service required)
  • The carers relationship with the person requiring care is likely to broadly follow the definition of dependant used in the current right to time off for dependants (which includes a spouse/civil partner, child, parent or someone who otherwise reasonably relies on the employee for care)
  • The leave will be available to be taken flexibly, in blocks of one week or in individual day or half days
  • Employees will need to provide twice the length of notice as the time off for carer’s leave to be taken, plus one day
  • Employers will have a limited ability to postpone the leave to manage and plan for absences, and only where business would be unduly disrupted by the carer’s leave
  • No evidential requirements will introduced – any false applications could be dealt with as a disciplinary matter
  • There will be protection for employees who suffer a detriment or are dismissed as a result of exercising the right to carer’s leave
 
The Government has said that legislation to introduce Carer’s Leave will be brought forward “when parliamentary time allows”. Given this fairly non-committal timetable, it is possible that these planned changes may not be implemented for some time.
 

Further reading

UK Immigration fees to surge in October

Legal Updates, News & PR
21/09/2023
Prepare for significant changes in UK immigration and nationality fees as they are set to soar from October 4th, 2023. The UK government has introduced these fee revisions through recent legislation in Parliament, which will affect various aspects of immigration services.
Read more Read

A lesson in the rectification of wills following clerical error

Blog
20/09/2023
A look back at the case of Mr & Mrs Rawlings, the first inheritance dispute case to reach the Supreme Court
Read more Read

Five issues for charities to consider when left funds by a testator

Blog
11/09/2023
Are you aware of the issues you may face when leaving funds to a charity in your will? Make sure you get it right
Read more Read

Home Office's summer 2023 Immigration overhaul - A comprehensive overview

Legal Updates, News & PR
08/09/2023
In separate statements made over the summer months the Home Office announced a number of changes affecting migrants and, potentially, their UK employers as well.
Read more Read
  • Brighton - Jubilee St

    1 Jubilee Street

    Brighton

    East Sussex

    BN1 1GE

  • Brighton - Old Steine

    47 Old Steine

    Brighton

    East Sussex

    BN1 1NW

  • Gatwick

    Griffin House

    135 High Street

    Crawley

    West Sussex

    RH10 1DQ

  • Guildford

    Wonersh House

    The Guildway

    Old Portsmouth Road

    Guildford

    Surrey

    GU3 1LR

  • Hassocks

    32 Keymer Road

    Hassocks

    West Sussex

    BN6 8AL

  • Horsham

    3rd Floor

    Afon Building

    Worthing Road

    Horsham

    West Sussex

    RH12 1TL

  • London

    6 New Street Square

    New Fetter Lane

    London

    EC4A 3BF

  • Make an enquiry

    Make an enquiry

    Message

    Or head to our Contact us page