On 6th April 2024, the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 came into force, giving employees with unpaid caring roles the right to take up to five days of unpaid leave from work each year to fulfil their caring responsibilities.

Millions of people in the UK are juggling their unpaid caring role with paid employment, and unpaid carers often say they struggle to manage their own physical and mental health.

The Carer’s Leave Act applies to all employees in England, Scotland and Wales providing ‘long-term care’. Employees taking Carer’s Leave will have the same employment protections as associated with other forms of family related leave. This includes protection from dismissal or detriment as a result of having taken the leave.

For more information, please visit Carers UK.