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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 provide guidance about your statutory and contractual rights as a working carer. 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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10 June 25

John Perryman, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, writes about the importance of tackling carer poverty. 

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09 June 25

Carers UK Chief Executive Helen Walker shares a message to mark the start of Carers Week 2025.

Press Release
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Unpaid carers in employment need further support to improve their health and wellbeing
09 June 25

44% of carers in employment have had a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since taking on…

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Nearly half of UK adults with caring responsibilities say their health has been impacted since caring, reporting new or worsening conditions
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43% of current or former carers have had a mental or physical health condition develop or become worse since taking…

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