Find out about your rights
Carers have the right to... discuss flexible working options
Juggling work and care can be very challenging, so it’s important to understand the rights you have both in law and with your employer.
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.
If you're looking for information on your rights or how to prepare yourself to discuss flexible working with your employer, we have lots of information available for you.
Carers have the right to... protection from discrimination
If you look after an older or disabled person, the law - under the Equality Act 2010 - protects you against direct discrimination or harassment because of your caring responsibilities.
This is because you are counted as being 'associated' with someone who is protected by the law because of their age or disability.
We have information available that explains discrimination by association and harassment, which may be useful if you feel you have been treated unfairly because of your caring role.
Carers have the right to... request a free flu jab
Worried about becoming ill and unable to cope this winter?
If you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, who may be put at risk if you became ill, you are eligible for a free flu jab, according to government policy. You are also eligible if you're receiving Carer's Allowance. If you feel this applies to you, you have the right to request one from your GP surgery or local pharmacist.
Carers UK runs a campaign to let carers know about availability of free jabs including through healthcare professionals and employers. Find out more here.
Carers have the right to... receive a Carer's Assessment
Many carers find it easier to continue in their caring role if they can get some assistance. If it appears that they have needs for support, they can have a Carer’s Assessment.
Local councils can provide care and support for people who require care, and their carers. The way they make a decision about the support that they can provide is by carrying out assessments.
Find out more about eligibility, the process for applying for an assessment and the sorts of support that might be available to you - read more here.
Carers have the right to... be identified as a carer
If you provide unpaid care, you can ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer on your patient record and might be called forward for flu jabs or other public health campaigns.
A number of GP surgeries have a simple form on their website to help you register as a carer, but we have heard that this is not always the case.
If yours doesn't have this form we've created a handy letter template that you can use to speak to your GP.
Carers have the right to... be consulted on hospital discharge
If you are an unpaid carer and the person you care for is being discharged from hospital, the hospital must identify and consult with you, where possible.
Carers UK has useful information on the discharge procedure, discharge assessments and other important things to think about if the person you care for is in hospital.