An introduction to Carer’s Leave
On 6th April 2024, the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 came into force, which supports employees who have caring responsibilities. Here is the information all employers need to know.
What is Carer’s Leave?
It is time off work to help a dependant who needs long-term care, which includes if they have any of the following:
1. A disability (as per the Equality Act 2010)
2. An illness or injury that is likely to need care for at least 3 months
3. Old-age related care needs
Who is classed as a dependant?
Anyone who relies on them for care i.e. spouse, civil partner or partner, child or parent, someone who lives in their home (although not tenants and lodgers) or e.g. an elderly neighbour.
Who can take the leave?
Any employee can take Carer’s Leave and they can take it from Day 1 of employment.
What leave can they take and is it paid?
One week’s unpaid leave, which can be used in half days, full days or the whole week (pro rata if part-time), in every 12 months. Employers can of course choose to pay them if they wish.
What notice do they need to give to take the leave?
Employees need to give at least 3 days’ notice for a half/full day’s leave or twice as long as the time needed e.g. 5 days leave needed so 10 days’ notice.
Can the employer refuse the leave dates?
No, not unless their absence would cause serios disruption to your organisation and then you would need to give the reason in writing and agree a different date within one month of the date they originally asked for.
We are frequently asked by clients to attend absence meetings with employees as their absence rates are unacceptable. It also quite frequently transpires it wasn’t the employee who was ill but for example their child instead. It is important not to get the Carer’s Leave confused with Emergency Time off For Dependants – this does what it says on the tin – it is an emergency and the employee needs to leave work immediately to for example pick their child up from school. Carer’s Leave is more a ‘planned’ leave situation and as this is new legislation, it can be a bit daunting. We are on hand to discuss and clarify any queries you have so