The Centre for Ageing Better welcomes passing of new Carer’s Leave Act

The Carer’s Leave Bill passed its final stage in Parliament this week meaning employees will be entitled to five days of unpaid leave for caring responsibilities each year.

The legislation was brought forward as a Private Members’ Bill by Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain, working closely with Carers UK. Ageing Better were among a number of charities, employers, trade unions and cross-party MPs to back the campaign as part of our long-time held support for carer’s rights.

The new right will apply to any employee looking after older, disabled or seriously ill relatives or friends. The legislation would come into effect in April 2024 at the earliest, but the exact date is yet to be confirmed.

The Centre for Ageing Better recognises the significant contribution that carers make to this country and believe greater support is more than merited. Recent research indicates that unpaid carers contribute £162 billion per year to the economy, the equivalent of a second NHS.

The legislation is expected to be particularly significant for older workers. People aged 45 to 64, especially if they are women or from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, are the most likely to be carers – one in four either look after or support someone outside their home.

The Centre for Ageing Better is also hopeful the new legislation will make a difference to the UK economy. The employment rate among people aged 50-64 is still to recover to pre-pandemic levels.

Ageing Better agrees with the government that tackling economic inactivity among older workers is key to addressing businesses’ skills and labour shortages and welcomes any legislation that makes it easier for older people to continue working for as long as they wish.

Surveys show that among adults aged 50 to 70 who have left or lost their job since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and who would consider returning to work, finding work that fits around caring responsibilities was among the top three priorities.

“Balancing paid work with caring responsibilities is an incredibly difficult task for many workers. Fewer than one in four carers are in full-time or part-time paid work and this number is even lower for women. This can be a real loss for carers, whose personal finances and career progression can be damaged by being out of work, and for the businesses and the wider society, who miss out on carers being able to fully realise their potential and talents within the labour market.

“The right to a few days of Carer’s Leave will help carers manage emergencies or tough moments. Bringing this together with good flexible working policies and quality part-time work opportunities will mean many more carers can find a balance between caring and employment that works for them."

“Ultimately we would want to see employees receive two weeks’ paid carers leave as a guaranteed right. But the new provisions mark a real victory for carer’s rights and will help thousands of employees to balance paid work and caring duties more easily.

“For many employers, carer’s leave will be their first carer-related policy. We hope that the Carer’s Leave Act will encourage employers to go even further in their support for carers who make such a significant contribution to our economy and society.”