The government has launched a consultation on potential new employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children. The consultation closes on 1 September 2026.
Employees have been entitled to carer’s leave since April 2024. The right provides up to five days’ unpaid leave in any rolling 12-month period to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need. In its Plan to Make Work Pay, the government committed to reviewing that right and considering the case for introducing paid leave.
The government does not indicate a preferred policy option in the new consultation and is at pains to point out that responses will be considered before the government decides “whether to take any further action”. It remains to be seen if the proposals will progress further.
Rights and support for unpaid carers
The first part of the consultation focuses on awareness of existing rights and support available to unpaid carers. It asks what additional guidance or information would help carers understand and use their workplace rights, and whether tailored guidance is needed for carers facing particularly challenging situations.
The consultation also seeks views on whether to:
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