NEW legislation which entitles carers to one week’s unpaid leave to support their loved ones has been welcomed by a leading employment lawyer.
Joanne Stronach, who is Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, said the new measures introduced as part of the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 were a step in the right direction to support the millions of people who provide unpaid care to dependant family members or friends.
It’s estimated that two million people in the UK are currently balancing work alongside their caring responsibilities. Without dedicated statutory leave entitlement for informal, unpaid carers in place, many are forced to take other forms of leave to ensure they can provide for or arrange care for, those dependent on them.
The Carer’s Leave Act will give employees the right to one week’s unpaid leave per year, with staff able to take the time flexibility to suit their caring responsibilities. The new law received its royal assent in May and is expected to come into effect next year.
Joanne said: “Being an unpaid carer brings huge pressures, both emotionally and financially. As the population ages, more and more people are finding themselves as part of the ‘sandwich generation’ where they have to juggle looking after elderly relatives and children at the same time. If they are caring for someone with a debilitating illness such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease, then the situation becomes even more complex.
“While employees currently have the...
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