The Carer’s Leave Regulations 2024 came in to effect on 6th April 2024 and offer a day-one right for employees to be absent from work to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need.
How long can I take off as Carer's Leave?
Employees can apply for up to one week’s unpaid leave in any rolling 12-month period, and leave can be consecutive or non-consecutive, half-days or full days.
How do I take Carer’s Leave?
Employees must give notice in writing if they intend to take carer’s leave. They must confirm that they are entitled to take the leave and give either three days’ notice or twice as many days’ notice as the amount of leave that they intend to take, whichever is longer.
Can an employer refuse to grant Carer’s Leave?
No, however, employers can postpone a request for Carer’s Leave if it unduly disrupts the running of the business. In this case, the employer must give notice of the postponement before the leave is due to start and explain why. The employer must then allow the full requested leave to be taken within one month of the start date of the original Carer’s Leave request. The notice from the employer should also include the dates of the postponed leave. The employer should also consult the employee about rescheduling the leave.
If you are unsure how these changes to employment laws affect your business or if you’d like us to review your employment contracts or draft new ones then you can contact our expert team at employment@bannerjones.co.uk
You may also be interested in Employer Protect – for an affordable fixed annual fee Banner Jones' employment law solicitors and HR specialists can help you with all your employment law issues.
- Director
- Solicitor
- Head of Employment Law
- KatieAsh@bannerjones.co.uk
- 01246 560519
- Sheffield - Abbey House 0114 275 5266