Millions to get sweeping new work rights under government plan in Tuesday update

Millions to get sweeping new work rights under government plan in Tuesday update Unpaid carers such as those looking after elderly parents or children when they are sick could get new protections to help them keep their jobs Millions of people could get sweeping new work rights under plans announced by the government on Tuesday. A consultation has been launched by the Minister for Employment Rights to boost the number of people who are able to work while juggling family responsibilities. Under the proposals unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children could be given sweeping new workplace protections. Currently, around three million unpaid carers balance work with caring responsibilities, yet many are forced to reduce their hours, delay returning to employment, or leave the workforce entirely — at an estimated cost to the economy of £37 billion a year. Now the government is seeking views on a wide range of measures including changes to pay and leave entitlements. This could see thousands with caring responsibilities return to work due to increased flexibility and financial security. Just over two years ago a legal entitlement to unpaid leave for carers came into effect for England, Wales and Scotland. Since April 2024, employees who are carers for a dependant have been entitled to up to a week of unpaid leave every 12 months – equating to five days for most people. But Carers UK has long called for a statutory right to paid leave for carers, arguing current workplace support and employment rights “do not reflect the realities of caring”. Under the latest proposals under consideration paid carer’s leave would be introduced for the first time. There would also be , a new “right to return” to work after a period of intensive caring — similar to maternity leave protections – and new guidance to help workers and employers better understand carers’ workplace protections. It is hoped this could allow thousands with caring responsibilities return to work due to increased flexibility and financial security. Kate Dearden, the Minister for Employment Rights, speaking at a Carers UK event with campaigners and employers at TSB’s offices in London on Monday night, urged anyone with a vested interest in this issue to provide their views to help shape the future of rights for carers at work. She said: "Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a partner with a long-term illness, or a child fighting a serious disease, you shouldn’t have to choose between your job and those you love. These proposed reforms are about making sure the world of work reflects the reality of people’s lives." Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: "Unpaid carers provide a vital service, caring for their family, friends and loved ones. They often put the needs of others before their own and we owe them a debt of gratitude for all they do. "That is why we must make sure unpaid carers are not left behind or forgotten, and our reforms will help provide the support carers need, while making sure they are not compromising their work or careers." The government is also seeking views on what has become known as Hugh’s Law — named in memory of Hugh Menai-Davis, who died aged six from cancer in 2021. His family, alongside their charity It’s Never You, have campaigned for paid leave and financial support for parents in the immediate and prolonged aftermath of a child’s serious diagnosis. Making the announcement on Tuesday a government statement said: "For parents who face the sudden reality of a seriously ill child, the financial and practical pressure of maintaining employment can compound an already devastating situation. Real experiences will be crucial for informing this process, which is why it is so important that carers and parents as well as businesses respond to this consultation, which will allow employers to attract and retain skilled staff through improved support for those with caring responsibilities." Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: "The launch of this consultation is a significant moment in Carers UK’s longstanding campaign to secure stronger rights for working carers. Too many carers currently have no choice but to reduce their hours or leave work altogether because workplace support and employment rights do not reflect the realities of caring. "This consultation provides an important opportunity to address that and consider further reform, including paid Carer’s Leave. With 2.8 million unpaid carers already balancing work and care, helping carers remain in employment is both a social and economic priority. We strongly encourage carers and employers to respond to this consultation and look forward to working with the Government to help deliver meaningful change for carers." TSB already has enhanced carers rights including extra time off to help with personal responsibilities. Nicola Bannister, Chief Executive Officer, TSB, said: "We have seen first-hand the positive impact our paid carers’ leave policy has had, giving colleagues access to an additional 70 hours of paid leave each year to help balance their work and caring responsibilities. "The Government’s consultation is a welcome opportunity to strengthen support for the millions of working carers across the UK." Welcoming the news, Hugh’s father, Ceri Menai-Davis, said he and his wife’s world “stopped overnight” when their son was diagnosed and they “quickly discovered that whilst there is a framework to support the child through treatment, there is very little support for the parents standing beside them”. He added: “No parent should have to choose between being at their child’s hospital bedside and paying the mortgage.” He described the launch of the consultation, which will run until September 1, as “a hugely significant moment” and encouraged “parents, carers, employers and organisations” to contribute to the consultation “and help shape a system that reflects the realities families face during some of the most difficult days of their lives”. He said: “If Hugh’s legacy can help ensure that future families receive the support they need from day one, then that will be a lasting and meaningful change for generations to come.”