Soundbite: Expansion of rights for unpaid carers on the horizon

Expansion of rights for unpaid carers on the horizon

The government has launched a consultation on strengthening employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children, building on the Carer’s Leave Act 2023.

The consultation will focus on whether the current entitlement of five days’ unpaid carer’s leave per year remains fit for purpose, and what further support might help carers stay in or return to work.

 What changes are being considered?

The government is exploring three potential reforms:

• Extended unpaid leave
  Increasing the current five-day entitlement, with views being sought on how many additional days should be available.
• A “right to return”
  A new statutory right, modelled on maternity leave, designed to protect an employee’s role during a longer period away from work for caring responsibilities.
• Paid carer’s leave
  Introducing a short period of paid leave, with options ranging from compensation aligned with statutory sick pay (currently £123.25 per week) up to potentially 90% of pay.

 In addition, the consultation considers “Hugh’s Law”, which would introduce leave and financial support for parents and caregivers following the diagnosis of a child’s serious illness.

The consultation is open until 1 September 2026.

While these are proposals at this stage, they signal a clear direction of travel towards enhanced protection and support for employees with caring responsibilities.

Employers may wish to start thinking about whether current policies adequately support carers in practice and how flexible working arrangements can support retention of employees with caring responsibilities. This consultation reflects a broader policy focus on workforce participation and retention. Employers who take a proactive approach, particularly around flexibility and culture, are likely to be better placed to adapt to any future changes and to retain valued staff.

If you need assistance amending your workplace policies, please get in touch with a member of the team and we’d be happy to assist.