The government is undertaking a review of unpaid carer’s leave which is expected to conclude in 2026.

Entitlement

Introduced in 2024, eligible employees are entitled to 1 week of unpaid leave every 12 months.

Leave can be taken in a 1 week block or in single or half days spread across the year.

Eligibility

Employees can take carer’s leave to provide or arrange care for a dependant who depends on them for care in specified situations.

Notice

Employees are required to give notice of their intention to take leave. Requests can be made from day 1 of employment.

Single or half days require at least 3 days of notice. Longer periods require notice which is twice as long as the requested leave.

Delaying leave

Employers may be able to delay a request for carer’s leave where the absence would cause serious disruption to their business.

Another date must be agreed within 1 month and confirmed in writing before the new leave date or within 7 days, whichever is sooner.

Other leave

Employees may also look to make use of their other statutory leave entitlements, such as:

• Unpaid parental leave – to look after their children.
• Time off for dependants- to look after dependants during an emergency.

What could change

The government review will consider how well the current entitlement is working, possible amendments to the entitlement and whether carer’s leave should become a paid leave entitlement.

 

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