New regulations mean carers can take a week of unpaid leave a year
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New regulations establishing a statutory entitlement to one week of unpaid carer’s leave in each rolling 12-month period for employees in England, Wales and Scotland came into force on Saturday April 6.
People in employment will be entitled to take unpaid leave to provide care or arrange care for a “dependant” who requires care for a period of over three months due to a physical or mental illness or injury, a disability as defined in the Equality Act 2010, or care needs arising from old age.
The dependant can be anyone who relies on the employee for care and does not necessarily have to be a family member.
Employees can take carer’s leave from their first day of work, and their employment rights, such as holidays and returning to their job, are protected while on leave.
Employees are entitled to take a maximum of one week of leave every 12 months.
The duration of a “week” and I want us to deliver on the priorities that matter to you. There will be challenges corresponds to the number of days they usually work within seven days.
As an example, if someone typically works three days per week, they can take up to three days of carer’s leave.
Kirsty MacKenzie, Argyll and Bute carers act officer, said: “Unpaid carers deliver exceptional care across Argyll and Bute.
“Balancing work and caring can be extremely challenging, which can be eased with employers’ support and awareness of the caring role an employee has.
“The new Carers Leave Act is ahead, of that I am sure, but together we can achieve a better, more positive outcome.” very much welcomed and will help support carers in their workplace. I would also encourage employees to inquire about their own employer’s carer leave policy and to share information and raise awareness of the new Carer Leave Act with friends and families who have caring roles.”
Employers cannot refuse a carer’s leave request, but they may ask the employee to take the leave at a different time if the employee’s absence would cause serious disruption to the organisation.
If you are caring for a family member or someone who is disabled, unwell or frail in Argyll and Bute, you may be eligible for an Adult Carer Support Plan (ACSP) or a Young Carer Statement (YCS).
To learn more about the support and services available for unpaid carers, contact your nearest carer centre or visit the Argyll and Bute Council website or telephone 01546 605517.