Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies MP is delighted that the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 has now come into force, benefitting thousands of unpaid carers across North Wales.
From last Saturday, 6 April 2024, people who provide care to a family member, friend or relative have the right to up to five days of unpaid leave from work to fulfil their caring responsibilities.
James supported this legislation in Parliament and is pleased that 4,882 unpaid carers in the new constituency of Clwyd East, and 4,538 in Clwyd North will now have access to these new workplace rights.
According to research from Carers UK, up to 2.3 million employees across Great Britain could benefit, while over one million employers will have to implement this right for their workforce.
The legislation has been supported by businesses, employers, professional bodies, charities, local authorities, unions and unpaid carers.
The Act will enable employees in Great Britain who provide care to someone who is disabled, older, or seriously ill to take up to five days off work each year to arrange or provide care. Having this additional flexibility will help unpaid carers to cope with the challenging task of balancing employment alongside their unpaid caring responsibilities.
Carers UK estimates that, on average, 600 people a day have to give up work in order to care for older, ill or disabled relatives and friends due to a lack of support and flexibility in the workplace.
Leading employers who already offer Carer’s Leave to their employees also say that this kind of support can help to deliver business benefits; improving productivity overall through better staff retention, by reducing recruitment costs, and by supporting employee wellbeing.
James, who is the Conservative Candidate for the new Clwyd East constituency, said:
“Thousands of my constituents in the Vale of Clwyd are juggling their work with vital care for a family member – and I know it is an incredibly tricky balancing act.
“Being able to take Carer’s Leave to support a loved one when they most need it could make a big difference to many employees with a caring role, helping them to feel less stressed, more engaged at work and better able to thrive in their career.
“For employers, Carer’s Leave will see fewer staff absences, lower recruitment and retention costs, better staff planning and engagement. It will also help to keep many more skilled people in work, contributing to our economy.”
Carers UK is supporting both unpaid carers and employers to find out what this legislation will mean for them. Carers are encouraged to find out more information about their rights at work on the Carers UK website: https://www.carersuk.org/wales/help-and-advice/work-and-career/carers-in-employment-hub/carers-leave-act/
Employers can visit: https://www.carersuk.org/for-professionals/support-for-employers/employers-for-carers/
