The Government’s consultation proposes introducing paid carer’s leave, including asking respondents how much it should be, a new “right to return” to work for carers similar to mothers coming back after maternity leave, and new guidance for workers and employers on protections carers have in the workplace.
The Department for Business and Trade said unpaid carers feeling forced to cut their working hours, delay returning to work or quitting altogether costs the economy an estimated £37 billion a year and that new protections could result in thousands with caring responsibilities returning to work with increased flexibility and financial security.
Employment minister Kate Dearden said: “Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a partner with a long-term illness or a child fighting a serious disease, you shouldn’t have to choose between your job and those you love. These proposed reforms are about making sure the world of work reflects the reality of people’s lives.”
Care minister Stephen Kinnock said: “Unpaid carers provide a vital service, caring for their family, friends and loved ones. They often put the needs of others before their own and we owe them a debt of gratitude for all they do. That is why we must make sure unpaid carers are not left behind or forgotten and our reforms will help provide the support carers need, while making sure they are not compromising their work or careers.”
Joanne Thomas – Usdaw general secretary says: “Usdaw has long campaigned for the right to paid leave for parents and carers, alongside many organisations and individuals, so we very much welcome the Government progressing to a consultation. Being an unpaid carer or a parent of a seriously ill child can be emotionally devastating and extremely difficult for working people to juggle their work and home life. Usdaw will be responding to the consultation, emphasising the need for fully paid time-off to help ensure that all workers can access the right, particularly those on the lowest incomes.
“The vast majority of care in the UK is provided by family and friends. All too often, carers feel life is a pressure cooker of competing demands, with worries about money, time off work, their own health and that of the person they are caring for. With more people than ever providing care, we welcome the Government continuing to improve working parents’ and carers’ rights. They make a huge contribution to our society, communities and families; their efforts must be properly recognised, rewarded and supported.”
Notes for editors:
Usdaw (Union of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers) is one of the fastest growing unions in the TUC and the UK's fifth biggest with around 370,000 members. Most Usdaw members work in the retail sector, but the union also represents many workers in transport, distribution, food manufacturing, chemical industry and other trades www.usdaw.org.uk
For Usdaw press releases visit: www.usdaw.org.uk/news and you can follow us on Bluesky @usdawunion.bsky.social and Twitter/X @UsdawUnion