As the Employment Rights Bill progresses through Committee Stage in the House of Lords, Carers UK is calling for Government to introduce measures within the Bill which would go further in supporting the 2.3 million employees balancing paid work with unpaid caring responsibilities for their disabled, older or ill relatives and friends.

Two key amendments to the Bill have been tabled, backed by Peers from different parties which, if successful, would increase unpaid carers’ support in the workplace. One amendment would change unpaid carers’ current right to unpaid leave to be made a paid leave entitlement. The other amendment would require employers with over 250 employees to consider what support unpaid carers are given in their workforce when publishing equality action plans.

Paid Carer’s Leave would make a significant difference to those on low incomes, particularly women. 80% of workers say it would better help them to balance work and care. Carers UK modelling estimates that this would only cost between £5.5 million and £32 million a year to deliver, but would ultimately save billions by increasing productivity and supporting carers to remain in the workplace.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:  

“Every year the UK economy loses an estimated £37 billion due to unpaid carers being unable to work. Without adequate support, carers are often left with no choice but to give up paid work to care, impacting their own financial security and resulting in a loss of valuable skills and experience for employers.

“The Bill contains some welcome measures to help unpaid carers, including stronger rights to flexible working, but we need to be ambitious for further change. There is a clear opportunity to lay the foundations for paid Carer’s Leave, which is critical for those unable to take up their existing, unpaid rights.

“Carers who fall out of employment are at far higher risk of poverty and long-term financial hardship. We are encouraging this Government to use the positive momentum of the Carer’s Leave Act and go one step further to increase help for carers able to juggle work and care.”