Description
Guide to Employment Rights for Carers in the UK
Knowing Your Rights as a Working Carer
Being a carer and holding down a job can be tough, but you have rights in the UK to help you manage both responsibilities. This guide explains your statutory rights, which are the basic rights everyone has under the law. Remember, your employment contract might offer additional contractual rights, so always check your paperwork for those too.
Flexible Working:
After 26 weeks with your employer: You have the right to request a change in your work pattern, like:
- Working from home
- Staggered hours
- Job sharing
- Part-time work
Request in writing: Explain the new pattern you want, how it affects your employer, and how you’d manage any challenges.
One request per year: Employers can only reject your request for a valid business reason.
Time Off in Emergencies:
You can take reasonable unpaid time off to deal with emergencies involving:
Partners, children, parents, or other close dependents
Examples: sudden illness, accident, childcare disruption, death of a dependent.
Your employer might offer paid time off as a bonus, but it’s not mandatory.
Protection from Discrimination:
In England, Wales, and Scotland, the Equality Act 2010 protects you from:
- Direct discrimination: Being treated unfairly because of your caring responsibilities.
- Harassment: Being subjected to unwanted behaviour related to your caring role.
Similar protections might exist in Northern Ireland under the Human Rights Act and the Northern Ireland Act.
Parental Leave:
If you’ve worked for the same employer for 12 months and have a child under 18, you’re entitled to:
- 18 weeks unpaid leave per child, before their 18th birthday.
Again, your employer might offer paid leave as a contractual right, but it’s not mandatory.
Reference:
This is just a summary of your key rights. For detailed information and specific situations, consult resources like:
Citizens Advice: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/
Government website: https://www.gov.uk/browse/disabilities/carers
By knowing your rights, you can better manage your caring responsibilities and your work life, ensuring you’re treated fairly and supported in the workplace.
