Employment Law Changes To Benefit Carers

Two new laws came into force on 6th April 2024 that can help unpaid Carers to balance employment with caring.

Carers Leave Act 2023

This Act grants employees who care for dependants with longterm needs an entitlement to one working week equivalent of unpaid leave annually to give, or arrange, care for a dependent. This is a ‘day one’ right, meaning that all employees have the right to this from day one of employment.

Long-term needs is defined as:

• Anyone with a condition that meets the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010;

• Illness or injury (physical or mental) that requires or is likely to require care for more than three months, or;

• Old age.

Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023

This Act gives employees the right to request flexible working from day one of employment (rather than after 26 weeks, which is the current position). Flexible working includes working hours, times of work and location of work.

Employees can also make two requests in any 12-month period, up from one, and no longer have to explain the effect of the change requested. A decision must now be made within two months, down from three, however, the reasons why an employer can lawfully refuse a request remain unchanged.

If you would like support with approaching your employer about requesting these rights, contact our team on 01786 447003.