Backing Unpaid Carers: Proposed New Rights in the Spotlight
Millions of unpaid carers provide invaluable support to family members, friends and loved ones. Their dedication helps people remain independent, supports families and communities, and reduces pressure on health and social care services.
However, balancing work with caring responsibilities can be challenging. As the population ages and more people take on caring roles, ensuring that workplaces provide the right support is becoming increasingly important.
To help address these challenges, the Department of Health and Social Care is consulting on a range of proposals that could strengthen workplace protections for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children.
The proposals include:
- Introducing paid carers' leave for the first time.
- Creating a new "right to return" to work after a period of intensive caring, similar to existing maternity leave protections.
- Providing clearer guidance to help employers and employees better understand workplace rights for carers.
These measures aim to improve flexibility and financial security, making it easier for unpaid carers to remain in employment or return to work after caring responsibilities.
Have your say
If you are an unpaid carer, a parent of a seriously ill child, an employer, a charity or a representative organisation, your experiences and views can help shape future policy.
The consultation is open until 1 September 2026. If you would like to take part, you can submit your response online.