The new legislation designed to help support Carers in their employment is expected to commence from 6th April 2024.
Following our reporting on the Carers Leave Act 2023, the draft statutory instrument now indicates that the new legislation is expected to come into effect in the new tax year.
This act will provide a new statutory leave entitlement with details as follows:
- the act allows an employee up to one week of unpaid carers leave annually.
- the act applies to employees who are caring for a dependant with a long term care need
- the leave can be taken from half a day, up to and including one whole week of leave
- the statutory entitlement will apply from day one of employment
- the employee is not required to provide evidence or explain how the leave will be used
The government believes that this will help to increase workforce participation and protect vulnerable workers. In addition, hopefully this leave will enable carers to better balance their caring and work responsibilities, supporting them to remain in employment.
