In this blog, we look at the latest developments on the Carer’s Leave Bill and discuss affordances for employees if it becomes UK law.
What is the Carer’s Leave Bill?
The Carer’s Leave Bill would allow carers to take paid time off work to care for family members or friends who need support e.g. due to illness, old age or disability.
When will it become law?
On May 19, the Carer’s Leave Bill passed its third reading in the House of Lords and was granted Royal Assent on 24 May.
We could see this law in action as early as April 2024.
What does this mean for UK employees?
Once the legislation is passed, UK workers can take up to a week of unpaid Carer’s Leave.
Wendy Chamberlain MP introduced the Private Member's Bill, which MPs, peers, and government have supported.
The charity Carers UK has long advocated for improved acknowledgement and assistance for unpaid carers who balance paid work with caring responsibilities for elderly, disabled, or seriously ill loved ones.
This bill aims to offer essential support to these carers, addressing their need for flexibility from employers in order to fulfil their caregiving duties.
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK said: "The evidence is clear: being able to take leave from work to support an older, disabled or seriously ill relative makes a huge difference to carers’ lives and can help them stay in paid work.
“Managing these dual responsibilities is often stressful and demanding. Being able to use Carer’s Leave will remove guilt for many workers needing to take some time out to care, or having to use their annual leave – their own rest time.
“There are big benefits for businesses too – those who have already introduced Carer’s Leave have seen reduced recruitment costs and improved staff retention and wellbeing.
“With our ageing demographic, and loved ones with illnesses and disabilities living for longer, the majority of us can expect to care for a loved one in our working lives. This legislation sets us up for the future and we hope it will see employers give greater consideration to the needs of carers in their workforces.”
Wendy Chamberlain, MP for North East Fife said: “Caring is a universal experience – almost all of us will care or be cared for at some point in our lives. But for too long carers have been thanked by our leaders but forgotten in policy and in the workplace. My Bill will change that, and I hope spark a transformation for unpaid carers in workplaces up and down the country."
Lord Fox said: “It has been a privilege to hear first-hand from unpaid carers what a difference this Bill will make. I am proud to have played a role in its journey to becoming law. It will help millions of unpaid carers better balance work and care.”
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