Carers in employment - what are your rights?

Unpaid carers have certain rights when it comes to their employment. These rights come from:

1. The Social Services & Well-Being (Wales) Act: Government rules in Wales support you.
2. The Equality Act: This law prevents discrimination against carers due to their caregiving role.
3. Employment Law: General work laws also give you some rights.
4. Your Job Contract: Your contract may add more rights beyond the law.

Understanding these rights can empower you to confidently seek support from both the government and your employer. Your rights are key to accessing the help you need.

Your statutory rights

As an unpaid carer, you have several key statutory rights:

1. Right to Emergency Leave: You can take time off for emergencies involving a dependent, like a family member. Your employer may pay you for this time, but it's their choice.
2. Right to Unpaid Parental Leave: If you've been with your employer for a year and have a child under 18, you're entitled to 18 weeks of leave per child, up to their 18th birthday. Typically, parental leave is limited to four weeks per child per year, unless your employer agrees differently.
3. The Right to Request Flexible Working: After 26 weeks with the same employer, you can ask for flexible working arrangements, like adjusting your hours or working from home. Your employer should seriously consider these requests.
4. Right of Protection from Discrimination: The Equality Act 2010 protects you from unfair treatment due to caring responsibilities. This includes not getting a job or promotion due to your caring role.

Contractual Rights

Your workplace may offer extra rights and benefits through your employment contract. These can include carers' policies, carer passports, paid carers leave, carers networks, employee assistance programs, and counselling and wellbeing support. Check with your HR department, manager, or your organisation's policies to find out what's available. Please note: the specifics of these rights may vary based on your individual situation and job. Seeking advice from legal experts or government resources can provide a clearer understanding of your rights.

Please note: the specifics of these rights may vary based on your individual situation and job. Seeking advice from legal experts or government resources can provide a clearer understanding of your rights.

Carer's Leave Act

Starting in April 2024, the Carer's Leave Act will grant unpaid working carers the right to take up to five days of unpaid leave. Specifics about how these rights will be put into practice will be clarified later this year and early next year.

Contact the Carers and Community Support Team for a copy of Carers Wales ‘Working Carers Guide’: 01545 574200 or connecting@ceredigion.gov.uk