Balancing Work and Unpaid Care: Knowing Your Workplace Rights

Advice

August 15, 2025

Juggling a full-time job while providing unpaid care for a loved one is no small feat. Whether you're supporting an elderly parent, a disabled partner, or a child with additional needs, the pressure of balancing work and caregiving can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the law offers important protections for carers in the UK and knowing your rights and what benefits you are entitled to, make a real difference.

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Who is a Carer?

A carer is anyone who provides unpaid care for someone who couldn't manage without their support due to illness, disability, mental health needs, or age. If you're also in paid employment you are entitled to specific workplace rights. Learn more about who is a carer here.

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Right to Request Flexible Working

After 26 weeks of continuous employment, you're legally entitled to request flexible working. This could include adjusting your hours, working from home, compressing your workweek, or job-sharing. While employers don't have to approve every request, they must consider it reasonably and respond within three months.

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Time Off for Dependants

All employees have the right to take reasonable time off to deal with emergencies involving a dependant, including a person you may provide unpaid care for - this includes situations such as sudden illness or a breakdown in care arrangements. This time off does not have to be paid, although your employer may choose to provide paid leave.

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Carer’s Leave

A major step forward: from April 2024, eligible employees can take up to one week of unpaid carer’s leave each year to give or arrange care for someone. This can be taken flexibly, in half or full days and doesn’t require evidence of the medical condition of the person you're looking after.

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If you're caring for a child under 18, you may be eligible for up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave, which can be taken in blocks throughout their childhood.

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If the person you care for is disabled under the Equality Act 2010, you're protected from discrimination by association. This means an employer can’t treat you unfairly because of your caring responsibilities.

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Get the Recognition You Deserve

While knowing your legal rights is crucial, you may find it helpful to have something tangible that recognises your role as a carer. The National Carers Card does just that: it’s a discreet, easy-to-carry form of carers ID that helps you identify yourself as a carer in shops, hospitals, workplaces, or while travelling.

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Many organisations, venues, and businesses also recognise the card for carer-specific benefits, including discounts on everyday essentials.

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If you’re balancing employment with unpaid caring, this small card can go a long way in helping you feel seen, supported, and respected.

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👉 Find out more and apply today.

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