Unpaid carers set for boost

THE new Carer’s Leave Act will come into force this week which will entitle workers to take up to five days unpaid leave to carry out their caring responsibilities.

Employees can take up to a week of unpaid leave every year dependent on how many days per week they work. Those who work five days a week will be entitled to five days, those who usually work three will be entitled to three days.

The leave can be taken in full days, half days or all at once.

Those taking time off will have the same employment protection as other forms of family- related leave, including protection from dismissal and the retainment of holidays.

Almost a quarter of a million workers in Scotland are expected to benefit from the new employment rights, which come into force on Saturday.

It does not need to be a family member who is dependent on the carer to qualify.

Charity Carers UK says carers who are in paid employment face difficulties balancing their job with caring responsibilities at home and many carers will cut their hours or leave employment due to the pressures which can impact their wellbeing and quality of life.

Wendy Chamberlain, MP and deputy leader of the Lib Dems, introduced the bill to the House of Commons in 2022.

She said: “This is vital progress in improving carers’ employment rights and will help to offer some more flexibility to balance work and caring.

“Becoming a carer is something that can happen to any one of us. It can take many forms: from day- to- day physical caring, making medical appointments or doing the shopping for a housebound elderly neighbour.

“Caring or being cared for is something that almost everyone will experience at some point in their life.

“The work unpaid carers do is so vital yet is it extremely underappreciated.”

The new legislation is set to be offered by more than 100,000 employers.

Chris O’Shea, group chief executive at Centrica, owner of British Gas, said: “Carers do amazing work, most of it unseen. Juggling a job and caring can be a real struggle, emotionally and financially, which is why we’ve worked with Carers UK for the last 20 years to help demonstrate the economic case for supporting carers in the workplace.

“The introduction of five days statutory carer’s leave through the Carer’s Leave Act is a great step forward and will make an enormous difference to all working carers in the UK.”

Sue McLintock, who manages the Carer Positive Employer Awards for Carers Scotland, said: “Having this statutory entitlement to take time off will remove much of the stress many carers experience in their workplace, providing them with confidence, security and practical support.”