The Carers Leave Act: guide for working carers

What is carer’s leave?

If you work and care for someone who needs help for a long time, you can take up to 1 week off work each year. This time off is unpaid, and you can use it to give care or arrange care.

This is part of a new law called the Carer's Leave Act 2023, which started on 6 April 2024.

Who can use carer’s leave?

You can use carer’s leave from your first day at work. You must be caring for someone who:

Has a disability
Has an illness or injury that needs care for 3 months or more
Needs help because of old age

Who can you care for?

You can take carer’s leave to help:

Your husband, wife, partner, child or parent
Someone who lives with you (not a lodger or employee)
Someone who depends on you, like an elderly neighbour

What can you use the leave for?

You can use carer’s leave to:

Take someone to a hospital appointment
Help someone move into a care home
Spend time with someone who is housebound
Help with meals or company while their main carer is away

How much time can you take?

You can take up to 1 week of leave every 12 months. You can take:

Half days
Full days
A whole week

If you work part-time, your leave matches your usual working week. For example, if you work 3 days a week, you can take 3 days of carer’s leave.

You don’t need to put your request in writing or show proof of your caring role.

Do you need to give notice?

You must tell your employer before you take leave. Here’s how much notice you need to give:

Days you want off	Minimum notice to give
Half day to 1 day	3 days before
1.5 to 2 days	4 days before
2.5 to 3 days	6 days before
3.5 to 4 days	8 days before
4.5 to 5 days	10 days before
6 days	12 days before

Can you get paid?

Carer’s leave is unpaid by law. But some employers might choose to pay you. Check:

Your work contract
Your workplace policy
Ask your manager or HR team

Additional information

Read further facts about the Carer's Leave Act on the Carers UK website.

Get advice

If you have any questions about carer's leave, contact the Acas helpline or visit their website:

Phone: 0300 123 1100

Website: ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service)

Further sources of advice

Carers can also contact the Wokingham Carers Partnership for advice and support on carers rights and the law.
The Citizens advice website also provides information on a carers rights and how the laws protect carers.