Carers Rights Day | Carers First

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Carers Rights Day 2026

About the Campaign

Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 19 November 2026 – and the theme for this year is "Someone you know is a carer – but do they know it yet?". To help you understand your rights, we have highlighted key resources that are available to you. These resources can assist you in recognising your legal rights and entitlements, enabling you to thrive in your role as a carer.

Our focus for this year will be recognising carers in the workplace by sharing helpful resources for carers in employment and professionals who may employ carers.

Ellie’s story: How caring for my husband inspired me to educate others

Ellie cared for her husband Rob, who sadly passed away in 2024 after suffering with MND (Motor Neuron Disease) for five years. Her own personal experience of being a carer has contributed to her current role at Carers First as Project Officer and enabled her to truly understand firsthand how important it is that carers are supported and offered the information they need, including knowing their rights.

Read her story

Carers Checklist Know your rights

Carers First has created a checklist that provides essential information about your rights as a carer.

Download your copy

Carer's Passport

The Carer’s Passport enables a carer and their manager to hold a supportive conversation and document the support needed to help the carer in successfully combining caring and work. The Carer’s Passport document belongs to the employee and their manager should have a copy. It is designed as a live document, to be reviewed at least once a year and in response to any changes in the nature or impact of the caring responsibilities.

Carer's CVs and Transferable Skills

This handy booklet has been created to support carers to showcase the incredible transferable skills gained as a carer. Carers’ skills that can really shine on your CV, job applications, and personal statements. By highlighting the skills you’ve developed, you can boost your CV and strengthen your applications for jobs, career advancement, or further education.

Carer Friendly Employers Booklet

The Carer Friendly Employers booklet is designed to help you recognise and support employees who are carers, highlighting your legal responsibilities. It offers guidance on retaining these valuable employees and how Carers First can help you. Supporting carers through flexible work arrangements can lead to better staff retention, lower recruitment and training costs, and increased productivity, regardless of your business size.

Do you know your rights?

Carers' assessments

All carers now have the right to receive a free carer’s assessment to evaluate what their needs are.

Protection from discrimination

Carers can find it hard to balance work and and their caring responsibilities and could be treated unfairly because of it.

The Health and Care Act 2022

Carers now have stronger legal rights when it comes to decisions about services and hospital discharge.

Financial Support

As a carer, you may be entitled to financial support, such as benefits, discounts or grants.