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What are my rights as a working carer?

Your rights in work come from two sources:

  • The law gives you ‘statutory rights’ which everyone has. 
  • Your contract of employment gives you ‘contractual rights’ which can be more generous than statutory rights. 

In this section, we're providing guidance about your statutory rights as a working carer. However, it's always worth checking your contract of employment, staff handbook, HR policies or letter of appointment to see if you have any contractual rights on top of your statutory rights. 

Note: For further information about your general rights, see the gov.uk website. 

For a summary of your statutory rights, you can also take a look at our factsheet, Your rights in work. 

 

Latest updates

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Carers UK responds to Work & Pensions Select Committee report ‘Pathways to Work’
29 July 25

We are pleased to see the Select Committee’s report stress the negative impact the proposals in the Pathways to Work…

Press Release
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Carers UK responds to the House of Lords debate on the Universal Credit Bill on 22 July 2025
23 July 25

The Universal Credit Bill has now completed all of its stages through Parliament.

Press Release
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Carers UK response to the ADASS annual survey
15 July 25

This latest report reveals that most Directors of social services have seen an increase in unpaid carers approaching them for…

Press Release
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Government to set out timetable for Carer’s Leave review and commits to hold public consultation
15 July 25

Peers discussed an amendment that was supported by Carers UK to turn the existing right to unpaid Carer's Leave into…

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