The new Statutory Leave Entitlement for Carers has come into effect from 6th April 2024…
Employees are now entitled to one week of unpaid leave to give or arrange care for a “dependant” who has one of the following:
- a physical or mental illness or injury that means they’re expected to need care for more than 3 months
- a disability (as defined by the Equality Act 2010)
- care needs because of their old age
Employees are entitled to the leave from their first day of employment, they are not required to provide evidence of their dependant’s care needs and the dependant does not have to be a family member.
The one week of unpaid leave entitlement is for every 12 month period. The leave can be taken in one single block, or individual days/half days through the year.
Employees are required to give a minimum of three days notice, however if the leave is more than one day, then they are require to give notice that is twice as long as the requested leave e.g. for a two day request, at least four days notice is required.
