09 June 2026
The Government has launched a consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children.
The aim is to make it easier for people to balance work with caring responsibilities and remain in employment.
Around three million people in the UK currently combine paid work with unpaid caring duties. Many of these individuals reduce their working hours, delay returning to work, or leave employment all together, which can have a significant impact on workforce retention and productivity.
The proposals under consideration include the introduction of paid carer’s leave for the first time and a new ‘right to return’ to work after a period of time, similar to protections by those on maternity leave. During the short period of paid carer’s leave to fulfil caring responsibilities, the employee would receive some level of pay, rather than the current unpaid leave available. They will also be new guidance released to help workers and employers better understand carers’ workplace protections.
Furthermore, there are proposals for a possible statutory entitlement to leave and pay for parents of seriously ill children.
The Government is encouraging employers, alongside carers and parents, to respond to the consultation and share their views. This feedback will help shape how these future workplace rights are developed.
The consultation closes on 1 September 2026.
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