The government has published its response to its consultation on introducing a new statutory right to ‘carer’s leave’. It has confirmed that it intends to introduce a ‘day one’ right to carer’s leave, which will consist of one week (five working days) of unpaid leave per year for employees managing long-term caring responsibilities alongside work. The leave will be available to take flexibly (i.e. from half-day blocks to a whole week). This right will exist alongside the current right to time off for dependants.
The full carer’s leave consultation can be viewed here.
In view of the new right being introduced, employers may wish to update their staff handbooks in due course.
For more information on the above or to discuss any other employment issues, please email lawyers@rooksrider.co.uk
