Working and caring: your rights as a working carer

Doing hospital runs before work, phoning at lunchtime to check medication has been taken, rushing over after a late meeting: for many people, caring for a parent or partner is a second job. If that sounds familiar, it's worth knowing the rights you have at work, and where practical help can take some of the weight off.

Carer's leave: up to one week a year

Since April 2024, the Carer's Leave Act 2023 has given employees in England, Scotland and Wales the right to take up to one week of unpaid leave in any 12-month period to give or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need.

• It's a day-one right. You don't need to have worked for your employer for a set time.
• It's flexible. You can take half days, full days or a whole week.
• A "week" means your usual working week, so it's pro-rata if you work part time.
• A dependant can be a spouse, partner, child or parent, someone who lives with you, or someone who reasonably relies on you for care.
• You don't need to provide evidence that you are a carer.
• Give notice: at least twice as many days as the leave you're asking for, or three days, whichever is longer.
• Your employer can't refuse, but can postpone the leave if your absence would seriously disrupt the business.

Carers UK has a helpful explainer on carer's leave, and the official guidance is at gov.uk/carers-leave.

Other rights that can help

• Flexible working. You can ask for changes to your hours, start times or where you work from your first day in a job. Your employer must consider the request properly.
• Time off for dependants. You have the right to reasonable unpaid time off to deal with an emergency, such as when care arrangements suddenly break down.
• Carer's Allowance. If you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and your earnings are below the limit, you may be eligible. See gov.uk/carers-allowance.

Talking to your employer

• Be as open as you feel comfortable being. Many managers are carers themselves.
• Explain what you need, whether that's a regular late start, a day a month or occasional short notice.
• Ask whether there's a carers' network or employee assistance programme.
• Keep a note of any agreements you make.

Look after yourself too

If you provide care, you're entitled to a free carer's assessment from your local council. It looks at how caring affects you and what support could help, from breaks to practical advice. Local carers' centres in Camden, Islington, Barnet, Haringey, Hackney and Enfield also offer advice and peer support.

When it might be time for extra help at home

Home care doesn't have to mean handing over everything. Visiting carers can cover the mornings or evenings you can't manage, overnight care can let you sleep, and respite care can give you a proper break. With consent, authorised relatives can view the care plan and daily care notes online, so you can see how things are going during the working day. Our guide to arranging home care for an elderly parent explains the first steps.

Frequently asked questions

Can my employer refuse carer's leave?

No. Your employer cannot refuse a valid request for carer's leave, but they can postpone it if your absence would seriously disrupt the business.

Do I need to prove I am a carer to take carer's leave?

No. Your employer cannot ask for evidence that you are caring for someone before granting carer's leave.

Is carer's leave paid?

Statutory carer's leave is unpaid, although some employers choose to offer paid leave. Check your contract or staff handbook.

This guide is general information about care in England and isn't medical, legal or financial advice. Last reviewed 15 October 2026.