Leading employment lawyer welcomes new law to support unpaid carers

NEW legislation which entitles carers to one week’s unpaid leave to support their loved ones has been welcomed by a leading employment lawyer.

Joanne Stronach, who is Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said the new measures introduced as part of the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 were a step in the right direction to support the millions of people who provide unpaid care to dependant family members or friends.

It’s estimated that two million people in the UK are currently balancing work alongside their caring responsibilities. Without dedicated statutory leave entitlement for informal, unpaid carers in place, many are forced to take other forms of leave to ensure they can provide for or arrange care for those dependent on them.

The Carer’s Leave Act will give employees the right to one week’s unpaid leave per year, with staff able to take the time flexibility to suit their caring responsibilities. The new law received its royal assent in May and is expected to come into effect next year.

Joanne said: “Being an unpaid carer brings huge pressures, both emotionally and financially. As the population ages, more and more people are finding themselves as part of the ‘sandwich generation’ where they have to juggle looking after elderly relatives and children at the same time. If they are caring for someone with a debilitating illness such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease, then the situation becomes even more complex.

“While employees currently have the right to take unpaid time off to deal with emergencies or certain other situations regarding dependents, this new legislation recognises longer-term care needs such as attending routine appointments.”

Joanne said providing support for unpaid carers could also benefit employers.

“By making it easier for people to both work and carry out their caring responsibilities, employers are likely to see improved staff retention and happier, more productive employees,” she said.

“This new legislation is a positive move which recognises the essential role that unpaid carers play in society and the pressures that they experience every day, helping them

achieve a better balance between caring responsibilities and their working life.”

Carer’s Leave will be available to eligible employees who are providing or arranging care from the first day of the employment, meaning unpaid carers will be supported regardless of how long they have worked for their employer.

Employees taking Carer’s Leave entitlement will be subject to the same employment protections that are associated with other forms of family related leave, meaning they are protected from dismissal or any detriment as a result of having taken time off.

Joanne works with businesses and organisations across Cumbria, Northumberland and nationally, as part of Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors’ Business Services team.