Carers Trust responds to government plans introducing leave for unpaid carers who work

Responding today to the government’s announcement of a day one right for working carers to have an extra week’s unpaid leave a year, Joe Levenson, Executive Director of Policy and External Affairs, Carers Trust, said:

“Carers Trust is pleased that the government will introduce an extra week of unpaid leave for unpaid carers, and that they have accepted our recommendation that this can be taken flexibly. This will help many with the challenges they face balancing work and care, as well as those carers looking for work.

“We would like the government to go further and introduce paid leave for unpaid carers, as we do at Carers Trust. Carers will welcome not having to use their annual leave allowance to care, but having to take time off without pay is galling, given the financial challenges so many face. This will help us all retain carers within the workforce, and employers who offer enhanced measures will be more attractive for unpaid carers.“