Carers leave Act 2023 : right to unpaid leave

When did the Carers Leave Act 2023 come into force ?

The Carers Leave Act 2023 will come into force on the 6th April 2024

What are the key features of the new Carer’s Leave Act 2023 ?

Employees who are caregivers can now take one week of unpaid leave each year to care for a family member with long-term mental or physical health needs, or to arrange their care.

What is the eligibility to be able to take carer’s leave ?

Eligibility for carers leave depends on the caregiver’s relationship with the person they are caring for and focuses on long-term care or terminal illness.

How can carer’s leave be taken ?

Employees can take up to five days of carers leave per year, in full or half-day increments.

Will Carer’s leave be paid ?

All carer’s leave under the Carers Leave Act 2023 is on an unpaid basis

What is the impact of the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 on employers ?

Employers need to update their policies to include carers leave.

Carer’s leave is available from day one of employment, without the need to work for a minimum period.

Employers can ask employees to confirm their eligibility for carer’s leave. However, there is no legal requirement for the employee to supply detailed evidence of the family member’s condition or the caregiving activities.

Employers are not permitted to deny a carer’s leave request outright, although they may propose an alternative timing. This is only permissible if the absence of the employee would result in significant disruption to the organization

Failure to allow carer’s leave or have proper policies to support the new Carers Leave Act 2023 could result in future claims being brought against the company.