Last night, as the Employment Rights Bill was debated at Report Stage in the House of Lords, Peers discussed an amendment that was supported by Carers UK to turn the existing right to unpaid Carer's Leave into a new statutory entitlement to paid Carer's Leave.

During the debate, the Government made some new announcements regarding the review of Carer's Leave that it has already committed to undertake. The review will now have a clear timetable, to be published this Autumn and a public consultation on balancing work and care will also be held in 2026 to provide carers, charities and businesses with the opportunity to directly share their views on how employers should best support carers in the workplace.

In the Government's blueprint for workers' rights and support, Make Work Pay, the Government said that they would review the implementation of Carer's Leave and examine all the benefits of introducing paid Carer's Leave, while being mindful of the impact of any changes on employers, particularly small employers. Last night's amendment now puts that review about carer's leave on a more open footing.  

While the Government spokesperson responding, Lord Leong, was clear that the Government would not be supporting the amendment, he recognised the strength of feeling from carers, carers’ organisations, employers and Peers about unpaid carers and paid carer's leave. The Bill will continue to be examined in the House of Lords on Wednesday 16 July.

Responding, Helen Walker, Chief Executive, Carers UK, said:

"We are pleased to see the Government put the review of Carer's Leave on a clearer footing and look forward to working with Government to share the excellent practice and knowledge of our Employers for Carers forum. 

"The consultation on support for carers who are juggling work and care must lay the foundations for the introduction of paid Carer's Leave. We have carried out extensive engagement and research with unpaid carers and there is simply no time to lose. Government must make good the promises the party made in Opposition to introduce paid carer's leave, helping more unpaid carers stay in work. 

"We are incredibly grateful to Peers who spoke in support of the amendment; Lord Palmer of Childs Hill, Baroness Tyler of Enfield and Baroness Lister of Burtersett."