Millions of workers with caring responsibilities could gain stronger workplace rights under proposals being examined by the UK government. The plans are aimed at helping unpaid carers remain in employment while supporting family members who depend on them.
A consultation launched by the Minister for Employment Rights is seeking views on a range of measures, including potential changes to leave and pay arrangements. The government says the process will help shape future support for carers and parents facing particularly demanding family circumstances.
Consultation Examines Paid Leave and Job Protections for Carers
The government’s proposals focus on the challenges faced by unpaid carers who balance employment with caring responsibilities. According to the government, around three million unpaid carers currently combine work with caring duties, while many others reduce their hours, postpone returning to work or leave employment altogether. The economic cost of this is estimated at £37 billion each year.
The consultation is considering several measures designed to improve flexibility and financial security for carers. Among them is the introduction of paid Carer’s Leave, something campaign group Carers UK has long advocated. The organisation has argued that existing employment rights and workplace support do not adequately reflect the realities of caring.
Current legislation already provides some protections. Since April 2024, employees in England, Wales and Scotland who care for a dependant have been entitled to up to one week of unpaid leave every 12 months, equivalent to five days for most workers.
The latest proposals also include a new “right to return” to work following a period of intensive caring. According to statements released alongside the consultation, this would operate in a similar way to protections available after maternity leave. The government is also exploring new guidance to help both employers and employees better understand carers’ workplace rights.
Speaking at a Carers UK event in London, Minister for Employment Rights Kate Dearden said workers should not have to choose between their jobs and caring for loved ones. She said the proposed reforms are intended to ensure that employment arrangements better reflect the realities of people’s lives.
Government Also Seeks Views on Support for Parents of Seriously Ill Children
The consultation is also gathering evidence on what has become known as Hugh’s Law. The proposal is named after Hugh Menai-Davis, who died from cancer in 2021 at the age of six.
His family, through the charity It’s Never You, has campaigned for paid leave and financial support for parents whose children receive a serious diagnosis. According to the government, parents often face significant practical and financial pressures while trying to maintain employment during a child’s treatment.
The government said real-life experiences from parents, carers and businesses would play an important role in shaping any future reforms. It added that stronger support could help employers attract and retain skilled staff while assisting those with caring responsibilities.
Carers UK welcomed the launch of the consultation. Chief Executive Helen Walker said many carers currently have little choice but to reduce their working hours or leave employment because existing support does not match the demands of caring.
The consultation will remain open until 1 September. Hugh’s father, Ceri Menai-Davis, described its launch as a significant moment and urged parents, carers, employers and organisations to contribute. He said families facing serious childhood illness need a system that reflects the realities they experience during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
