The issue of introducing paid carer’s leave has been debated by the House of Lords during its second reading of the Employment Rights Bill. Several peers expressed their support for this amendment, which was previously rejected by the House of Commons, as the Bill passed through the committee stage.
Since 6 April 2024, employees have had the right to unpaid time off work to provide or arrange care for their dependant who has a long-term care need. Currently, eligible employees are entitled to one week’s unpaid leave during a rolling 12-month period.
Lord Palmer of Childs Hill said: “While the Government have committed to reviewing the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, I question why we delay a measure that is both necessary and beneficial. The Government recognise that carers’ inability to work costs the economy £37 billion annually. In light of this, paid carer’s leave should be a priority, not an afterthought.”
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He went on to say: “This is not an expensive proposal. Carers UK estimates that introducing paid carer’s leave would cost between £5.5 million and £32 million per year, depending on the level of compensation. In return, more than 2 million working carers would benefit, businesses would save billions through improved staff retention and workforce participation would increase.”
In response, it was confirmed that the Government will examine the feasibility of introducing paid carer’s leave in the upcoming carer’s leave review. This forms part of the Government’s longer-term plans for reform.
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