Juggling a job and caring for someone can be emotionally and physically challenging, often leading to mental health problems, including stress and anxiety. It is important that Carers are supported in their workplace to ensure they remain employed while being able to give the best possible care to their loved one without any compromise. 

New rights for Carers 

On April 6^th, Carers will be given the right to take an additional one week’s unpaid leave from their job every 12 months if they need it to care for their dependent. The leave can be taken in single or half days with only three days’ notice, giving flexibility to carers for any urgent needs of their loved ones. 

Employers cannot refuse the leave, but it can be postponed where it is believed that the operations of the business would be seriously disrupted. 

How do I know if I’m entitled to the leave? 

To be entitled to the carer’s leave, you must care for a loved one with a long-term care need. This means they must have a physical or mental illness that requires care for more than three months or a disability that is stated under the Equality Act of 2010 or they require care for a reason connected with their old age. 

Is there a minimum probation requirement? 

There is no minimum probation requirement to be entitled to this leave. Employees can request this leave from the start of their employment. 

Our carers services can offer you support and guidance around caring for a loved one. We offer carers support in Barnsley, Kirklees and Lancashire.

Our Barnsley Carers service can offer you support and guidance around caring for a loved one, you can contact us on 01226 288772 or barnsleycarers@cloverleaf-advocacy.co.uk 

Resources 

• Carers Count Kirklees – Carers Count Kirklees 
• Barnsley Carers – https://barnsleycarers.co.uk/ 
• Carers Count Lancashire – https://carerscountlancs.co.uk/ 
• Carers UK – Right to Carer’s Leave | Carers UK 
• UK Government – Unpaid carer’s leave – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 
• Personnel Today –Carer’s Leave Act 2023: Carers’ entitlement to time off from 2024 (personneltoday.com)