In today's society, caregiving responsibilities often fall on the shoulders of family members or close friends. Whether caring for an ageing parent, a sick spouse, or a disabled child, millions of individuals around the world dedicate their time and energy to supporting their loved ones.
The Carers Leave Act is being introduced in the UK on 6th April 2024 to provide the support and protection they need. This article explores the significance of the Carers Leave Act and its impact on employers and caregivers in the workplace.
What is the Carers Leave Act?
The new Act allows employees with a care responsibility to be absent from work for up to a week every year. This absence can be taken as half days or full days. It's intended for those who need to provide care or arrange for care for someone they are responsible for. The person who needs care should have needs that last longer than 3 months, relating to old age or disability. The absence doesn't need to be taken on consecutive days.
What does it mean for employers?
An employee must provide notice of twice as many full days in advance of the number of days or half days they intend to take off. The employer cannot demand evidence from the employee.
However, if the requested time off would cause significant disruption to the organisation, the employer can ask the employee to take it at another time. If this happens, the employer must agree to an alternative date within a month.
Important to note - this is separate and does not impact the existing legislation for parents who can take up to 18 weeks of unpaid parental leave.
Impact on Caregivers and Employers:
Implementing the Carers Leave Act can have a positive impact on caregivers and employers.
It provides caregivers much-needed support and flexibility, allowing them to fulfil their caregiving responsibilities without jeopardising their livelihoods. This, in turn, can lead to improved emotional well-being and job satisfaction.
For employers, supporting caregivers through initiatives like the Carers Leave Act can increase employee loyalty, productivity, and morale. By demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of their workforce, employers can foster a positive organisational culture and attract top talent.
The value of expert advice for Carers
Grace offers affordable yet invaluable expert advice through corporate benefits packages to aid employees in managing their caregiving duties. These packages encompass guidance on various care-related matters such as eldercare, special needs, disabilities, and neurodiversity, catering to employees of all ages caring for themselves or their family members.
This service has demonstrated effectiveness in saving time and money for employees while alleviating stress. Consequently, employers also stand to benefit, as timely expert advice can reduce the impact of Carer's Leave on employee absenteeism by minimising the need for extended time off.
Get in touch
If your organisation would like advice on how to support colleagues that have a caring responsibility, get in touch. Our expert Care Advisers are here to help.
Grace Consulting are the UK’s founding providers of expert independent advice on elderly care advice, special needs advice and neurodiversity advice.
Independence and client wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do. We listen, reassure and advise you on how to move forwards and find the best possible solutions for your unique life challenges.