Back on the 6th April 2024, the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 came into force and provides working carers with 1 week’s unpaid leave per annum. However, to mark Carers Rights Day 2024 (which was on the 21st November 2024), Carers UK released a report in support of a call for the entitlement to 1 week's carer's leave per annum to be converted to paid leave, pointing out the following:-
- 78% of working carers, according to the report, are of the view that paid leave would assist them in terms of balancing their carring responsibilities with their jobs
- Due to financial constraints, 56% of working carers cannot exercise some or all of their right to take unpaid carer’s leave
- Updated figures provided by the report found that the value of the contribution made by working carers to the UK economy has now reached £184.3 billion per annum
Commenting upon the findings, the chief executive of Carers UK, Helen Walker, stated: "Many carers find it increasingly difficult to juggle work and care, particularly if they are not receiving sufficient support. Whilst the Carer’s Leave Act was a huge step forward, benefitting over 2 million employees, it’s important that all unpaid carers who want to remain in work are able to do so....Introducing paid Carer’s Leave would particularly benefit those on low pay – as often they cannot afford to take unpaid leave from work – and women who provide the bulk of unpaid care and are more likely to be disadvantaged by this."
