REWARD
Caring for carers: introducing paid carer’s leave
Evidence suggests that better support for carers not only improves their own financial situation and wellbeing but also brings tangible benefits for employers. Katherine Wilson, Head of Employment and Specialist Delivery, Carers UK, considers how this could help payroll teams to attract and retain the right talent
“Under the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, which came into force in April 2024, employees in England, Wales and Scotland have the right to take a week’s unpaid carer’s leave per year”
What rights do carers have in the workplace? Supporting an older, disabled or ill family member or friend is something we often just do without seeing ourselves as carers, especially if we’re juggling this with work. However, Carers UK’s research has shown that more than one in seven people in any workplace is a carer 1 , and in some sectors, the numbers are higher. This is why it’s so important to be aware of carers’ statutory rights at work, whether you’re managing or supporting employees who may be carers or if you’re caring yourself. Carers have several rights which are key to being able to juggle work and care: Time off to deal with emergencies for a dependant All employees have the right to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off work to deal with an emergency or unforeseen matter involving a dependant. This may be their partner, child or parent, or someone living with them as part of their family.
Others who rely on them for help may also qualify. The time off is unpaid unless the employer is willing to provide this paid as a contractual right. This could be to deal with: l a disruption or breakdown in care arrangements l a dependant falling ill or being in an accident l making longer-term arrangements (but not when providing the long-term care yourself). A right to carer’s leave for planned (foreseen) caring situations Under the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, which came into force in April 2024, employees
in England, Wales and Scotland have the right to take a week’s unpaid carer’s leave per year. This is available to request from the first day of employment and the employee needs to be caring for a dependant. This could be a parent, partner or child who depends on them for their care needs. Their needs could be physical or mental because of a disability, health condition, illness or old age, and it’s expected that they’ll require support for more than three months. More information is available online 2 . A right to request flexible working From April 2024, all employees based in England, Wales and Scotland have a right to request a flexible working arrangement
PROFESSI NAL in Payroll, Pensions and Reward
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June 2025 | Issue 111
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