I wanted to share some significant news regarding a development that I know will have a positive impact on many families in our community.
As of April 2024, the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 has come into force, which should really help support those who provide care to loved ones. This legislation grants carers the right to up to five days of unpaid leave from work to fulfil their caring responsibilities. So, if you're caring for a family member, friend, or relative who requires assistance due to disability, old age, or illness, you now have the entitlement to take one week of unpaid leave each year. This applies to spouses, civil partners, children, parents, and other dependents, with no qualifying period required, meaning the entitlement is available from the first day of employment.
For me, this issue hits close to home. My own sister is a social worker, and I have been an independent visitor for a looked-after child for many years. Also, whilst in my tenure as Minister for Schools and Childhood, this was an issue I really pushed the Department to work on, particularly around young carers.
The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 is a significant step forward in providing much-needed flexibility for those juggling employment and caring responsibilities. It's estimated that around 600 people per day are forced to leave their jobs to care for relatives due to a lack of support and workplace flexibility. Research from Carers UK suggests that as many as 2.3 million employees across Great Britain could benefit from this legislation. Additionally, over 1 million employers will need to implement this right for their workforce. This will address the imbalance by granting carers the time they need to manage their responsibilities without sacrificing their livelihoods.
In essence, this act aims to make life a bit easier for those who dedicate themselves to caring for others, and recognises the invaluable contribution that carers make to our communities and ensuring they have the support they need to continue their vital work.
