Carer's Leave is a legal right that allows employees to take up to one week of unpaid leave every 12 months to care for someone who needs long-term support.
The right was introduced on 6 April 2024 and applies in England, Scotland and Wales. You are entitled to it from your first day of employment.
Who can take Carer's Leave?
You may qualify if you are employed and need time off to care for someone who:
- Has a physical or mental illness or injury requiring care for more than three months.
- Has a disability.
- Needs care because of their age.
The person you care for could be your partner, parent, child, another relative or even a friend or neighbour who relies on you for support.
You do not need to live with them or be their main carer.
What can you use Carer's Leave for?
You can use the time to provide care yourself or arrange support for someone else. For example:
- Taking an elderly parent to a medical appointment.
- Helping a relative move into a care home.
- Arranging home care or other support.
- Looking after someone while their usual carer is unavailable.
How much time can you take?
You can take up to one working week every 12 months.
If you normally work five days a week, that means five days of leave. If you work three days a week, you can take three days.
You do not have to take it all at once. You can use individual days or half-days as needed.
If you care for more than one person, your total entitlement remains one working week.
Will you be paid?
Carer's Leave is unpaid by law, although some employers offer paid leave as an additional benefit.
Check your employment contract or speak to your employer to find out what support is available.
How do you request Carer's Leave?
You need to tell your employer when you want to take the leave.
- For half a day or one day, give at least three days' notice.
- For longer periods, give at least twice as many days' notice as the amount of leave requested.
You do not have to make your request in writing or provide medical evidence of the person's care needs.
Your employer cannot refuse Carer's Leave, although they may postpone it if your absence would seriously disrupt the business. They must explain why in writing and arrange for you to take the leave within one month of your original requested date.
Your employment rights are protected while you are on Carer's Leave, including your right to return to your job.
What if you need time off in an emergency?
If someone suddenly becomes ill, has an accident or their care arrangements break down, you may have a separate right to reasonable time off for dependants.
This is different from Carer's Leave and does not require advance notice, although you should tell your employer as soon as reasonably possible.
Where can you find out more?
You can read the official guidance on Carer's Leave at GOV.UK.
You can also visit Acas for information about your employment rights and what to do if you have difficulties arranging leave.