The Carer’s Leave Bill was passed by the House of Lords on 19th May and received Royal Assent this week.
This means that workers who balance paid employment with caring responsibilities will be entitled to take up to five days unpaid carer’s leave each year.
Under the Carer’s Leave Act, any employee who cares for a friend or relative will be given an annual 5 days carer’s leave, on top of their usual annual leave allocation.
A date for the implementation of the Carer’s Leave Act in England, Scotland and Wales is yet to be confirmed, but the earliest it could come into force is April 2024.
It is estimated that around two million UK employees are currently juggling paid work with unpaid caring responsibilities and a right to take carer’s leave will help them to balance some of their caring responsibilities alongside their caring role.
