UK 
United States
Evidence suggests that more employers are going above and beyond regulatory requirements by offering paid carers’ leave.
This is good news for employers and employees alike. It could help prevent individuals taking sick leave to manage their caring responsibilities; a common problem, if our experience supporting clients with absence management is anything to go by.
The Carers’ Leave Act, introduced in 2024, grants UK employees the right of up to one week of unpaid leave per year to care for a dependent with a long-term care need. But it seems to have prompted some employers to go above and beyond the statutory requirement to introduce paid carers’ leave, according to a survey earlier this year by charity Carers UK. This was echoed by HR attendees at our recent webinar; 40% of whom said they offer paid carers’ leave. And all said their organisation offered flexible working; undoubtedly a benefit for working carers.
But is this enough to help stem the rising tide of people giving up work to care, or who end up having to reduce their working hours? Carers UK reports that around 600 people a day give up work to care. And 73% of carers in employment said they found it stressful to juggle work and care, with many having to reduce their working hours.
