'Vital step forward' | Carer's Leave Act prompts more employers to introduce paid carer's leave for the first time

Following the introduction of the Carer’s Leave Act, new research shows that many employers have gone above and beyond the statutory regulations to introduce paid Carer’s Leave.  

Over 160 employers responded to a survey from Employers for Carers (EfC) who found that 44% of these workplaces offer between one to 10 days of paid Carer’s Leave, offering more than the legal right to five days of unpaid leave to provide or arrange care for a disabled, older or ill relative or friend. 

More than a quarter (27%) of those with some form of paid Carer’s Leave introduced this for the first time after the Act became law on April 6th 2024.  

Just more than a half (51%) of employers responding to the survey now have a dedicated Carer’s Leave policy in place, compared to 23% before the Act was enforced, showing a clear shift in the way that organisations are presenting their leave provision to improve transparency and access for carers.