Understanding Carers Leave: A Lifeline for Unpaid Carers

Caring for a loved one is one of the most selfless roles a person can take on. Whether it's supporting an elderly parent, a child with disabilities, or a partner with a long-term condition, carers dedicate time, energy, and love—often while juggling work and other responsibilities. Recognising this invaluable role, the UK government introduced a new statutory right last year: carer’s leave.

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In this post, we’ll break down what carer’s leave is, who is eligible, how it works, and how it ties into broader support like the National Carers Card.

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What Is Carer’s Leave?

As of 6 April 2024, unpaid carers in England, Wales, and Scotland now have a legal right to take up to five days of unpaid leave per year to fulfil caring responsibilities. This new provision recognises the challenges carers face and aims to offer greater flexibility and peace of mind when urgent or planned caregiving is required.

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It’s a day-one employment right, which means you don’t have to work for a certain period before being eligible. This makes it easier for employees to attend medical appointments with those they care for, manage emergencies, or organise longer-term care arrangements without fear of losing their job.

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Who Can Take Carer’s Leave?

To be eligible, you must be an employee of a company, and you must also provide care for a dependant with a long-term care need. This includes:

• A spouse or partner
• A child
• A parent
• Someone who reasonably relies on you for care

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A “long-term care need” refers to a condition that is likely to require care for more than three months, including mental health conditions, disabilities, or terminal illnesses.

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This leave doesn’t need to be taken all at once—it can be taken in full or half-days across the year, offering valuable flexibility.

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Why Carer’s Leave Matters

Carers often put their own needs aside to focus on others. Many juggle work, family life, and complex care routines with little recognition or support. This new statutory right:

• Reduces stress by offering dedicated time to manage caring duties
• Improves work-life balance, helping carers maintain their own wellbeing
• Encourages open conversations with employers about care responsibilities

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For employers, it’s an opportunity to create a more compassionate and inclusive workplace.

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Applying for Carer’s Leave

There’s no need to provide medical evidence, but you must give notice to your employer in advance. Ideally, the notice should be twice the length of the time off requested (e.g., two days’ notice for one day of leave).

Employers can’t decline a request outright but may ask to reschedule if the business would be unduly disrupted.

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How the National Carers Card Can Help

If you're looking at taking Carer's Leave, you might also be interested in the National Carers Card, which helps you show that you are a carer, enabling you and the person you care for to receive the help and understanding you need - along with access to exclusive discounts on everyday essentials.

Whether you’re at the GP, pharmacy, or local shop, the card offers a discreet way to identify yourself as a carer. It helps:

• Validate your role when arranging appointments or services
• Gain access to community-based discounts and support
• Open conversations with employers, support services, and local councils
• Mitigate cost of living concerns with potentially hundreds of pounds of savings a year from partner brands

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About the National Carers Card‍

The National Carers Card is a form of visual identification for carers across the UK. Designed to support and acknowledge the invaluable role of carers, the card helps with accessing services, discounts, and other benefits that make daily life a little easier. Founded by carers in 2019, the National Carers Card is part of a social enterprise for good dedicated to supporting carers and their families.