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New Employment Changes are now in force. Since April 6, employees are now entitled to a week of unpaid leave in a rolling 2 month period under the Carers Leave Act 2023.
This leave can be used from day one of employment to care for a dependent with long-term care needs, including those needing care due to;
- illness
- injury where they are likely to need care for over three months
- disability, or
- old age.
Employees can take this leave as individual or half days throughout the year or all at once, but will need to provide at least three days' notice for leave requests.
For employers, while you can't refuse a carers' leave request, you may defer it if it disrupts business operations unduly. Postponed leave must start no later than one month after the original request date and it's crucial to inform employees promptly about leave approvals or deferrals.
In preparing for these changes, employers should:
- take proactive steps to review current policies to ensure compliance with the new entitlement
- raise awareness and educate employees on unpaid care
- consider offering additional paid leave for carers, going beyond the statutory minimum
- implement procedures to approve and monitor carers' leave requests effectively.
The changes are an opportunity to foster a more caring and inclusive workplace environment, with some companies going further to support carers.
For more information and advice please contact Pickerings Employment Solicitors on 01827 317070 or email jrobson@pickerings-solicitors.com
To read more about Pickerings Solicitors Employment Law services please follow the links:
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.
