Working carers | Why you shouldn't wait for a mandate

By Kay Needle, Early Intervention & Rehabilitation Expert at Generali UK Employee Benefits

Working carers are in line for new rights from 6 April 2024, including the removal of hurdles to flexible working rights, and the equivalent of a week off work every year, albeit unpaid. But why wait for these things – which are only really administration changes – says Andrew Gething, Managing Director of our Eldercare Support Service partner MorganAsh, speaking at a recent Generali UK Employee Benefits webinar. “There’s so much that employers can do – and should do – now, without waiting for the Carers’ Leave Act and other such mandates,” adds Andrew.

The changes to flexible working regulations mean that all employees will have the right to make a flexible working application from day one of employment. This removes the current requirement that employees should have 26 weeks’ continuous employment before they can make such a request.

Meanwhile, the Carers’ Leave Act is specifically targeted towards those employees providing unpaid long-term care to a loved one. This will mean that they can take time off, without pay, in half or full days, up to the equivalent of a week a year.