May marked a historic month for unpaid carers as Carer’s Leave Bill received Royal Assent
The Bill which gives working carers the right to take unpaid leave from work to care for older, disabled or seriously ill relatives or friends received Royal Assent on Wednesday 24 May.
The Bill will introduce the new Carer’s Leave Act 2023 and may become law as early as April 2024.
The Carer's Leave Act will ensure that the estimated 3 million people combining caring for a friend or relative with paid work in the UK will be able to take up to five days of unpaid Carer’s Leave to support those they care for.
With 90% of working carers being aged 30+ and in their prime employment years, this is a welcome recognition for carers and the challenges they can face when balancing work with caring for a relative or friend, often also juggling their own young families too.
Carers First has been supporting carers since 1991 and has supported Carers UK’s campaign for the introduction of Carer’s Leave.
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