The government is now consulting on ways to strengthen employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children.
Carer’s Leave Act 2023
Many employees are balancing work with caring responsibilities for children, elderly relatives or family members with long-term health conditions, and those pressures can have a significant impact on attendance, wellbeing and retention. The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 introduced a right for eligible employees to take up to five days of unpaid carer’s leave each year.
What changes to the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 are being considered?
Several options are being discussed, including:
- Increasing the amount of unpaid carer’s leave available.
- Introducing a new right for employees to return to their role after a longer period of absence for caring.
- Creating a statutory entitlement to paid carer’s leave.
- Views on “Hugh’s Law”, a proposal that would offer leave and financial support for parents and caregivers following the diagnosis of a serious illness in a child.
The consultation closes on 1 September 2026.
What should employers be aware of?
If new rights are introduced, employers may need to review policies, absence procedures and manager training.
Even if the law does not change significantly, the consultation reflects a wider expectation that employers should support carers in the workplace wherever possible.
Further reading
- Unpaid carer’s leave– Gov.uk
- Carer’s leave – ACAS
- The new right to carer’s leave – 4 tips for employers – Hunter Law
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