The Coalition welcomes the workforce protections proposed within this consultation. Delivering these will help unpaid carers in Northern Ireland to fully participate in the labour market, preventing people from being forced out of employment because of the demands of caring. They will also help carers balance their caring role and employment improving their own health and wellbeing and finances. The rights proposed in this bill would also give carers parity with their counterparts across the UK.

However, the Coalition has highlighted the opportunity to go further. To lead the way and offer paid carer’s leave as a statutory right ensuring that no one is ever financially penalised for taking time away from employment to care and that all carers can take up vital workplace support.

There is strong evidence to support the benefits of this approach, not only to individuals but to business and state. Whilst there will be a cost, the Coalition believes this will be significantly mitigated by the economic benefits.