With Carers UK estimating that there are as many as 10.6 million unpaid carers in the UK and the fact that this will only increase in years to come due to our ageing population, the need to establish legislation which provides the right to Carer’s Leave is one that is critical to helping many employees.
Who is classed as a carer?
A number of definitions of the term “carer” exist, an excellent summary is provided by the NHS who say, “A carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid”.
Juggling care giving and work
Further research from Carers UK highlights that as many as 7.7 million UK workers now juggle paid employment with their unpaid caring responsibilities which can prove incredibly stressful and thus the need for additional support through the Carer’s Leave bill is essential to set clear parameters and establish a statutory right to Carer’s Leave.
Sam Morris is CEO at Blackburn With Darwen Carers Service and has a unique insight into the needs of carers and those who they provide care to, as well also seeing the subject from the perspective of an employer. When asked about Carer’s Leave Sam said, “67% of Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service staff are also carers for a family member. Working and juggling a caring role can be challenging. It is important for carers to have a level of flexibility with annual leave and flexi to be able to continue to work. The introduction of Carers Leave will offer more flexibility to carers. Having additional leave to take when needed will enable carers to stay physically and mentally well. From a business side the positive outcome will be carers can stay in work and continue to care for their loved one”. Sam’s final point is indicative of the difficult choice faced by many carers with Carers UK statistics showing that on average 600 people per day quit their job because of a lack of support to balance work and care responsibilities.
What is the Carer’s Leave Bill?
The bill is a private member’s bill currently progressing through the parliamentary process which would amend the Employment Rights Act 1996 and would create a new statutory day one right to up to one week of unpaid leave per year to provide or arrange care for a dependent with a long-term care need. Unlike some other forms of family related statutory leave, it is proposed that Carer’s Leave could be taken as half or full days at a time as required. Employees taking Carer’s Leave would also be given protection from dismissal or from suffering any other detrimental treatment as a consequence of having taken Carer’s Leave.
What should employers do?
Providing care can be mentally and physically draining and in emergency situations it can lead to staff needing to take time off at short notice. At present that time off can be managed through a range of options but the Carer’s Leave Bill will give employers an added alternative. Once the legislation has been passed employers should update their staff handbook with an appropriate policy. As with any such change it is vital that staff are aware of what it means for them and any new policy around Carer’s Leave should be clearly and effectively communicated to all staff so that they understand what it practically means for them. It is always important for employers to get to know their people and if someone is a carer this can have a real impact on them so employers should be mindful of those situations and offer support as needed. This support could take many forms but it is always helpful to engage with professional services such as a local carers service. The Carers Trust provide a simple search function on their website into which an individual can enter their postcode in order to find their nearest support services, Local Carers Support Services Near Me | Carers Trust.
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Why not also check out our blog on a similar topic What Is Family Leave?
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