Majority of unpaid carers say dedicated leave policies would help balance work and responsibilities – Carers UK

The State of Caring Survey 2024 found that 78% of carers believe paid Carer’s Leave would help them better balance work and caregiving.

Unpaid carers provide care worth £184.3bn annually, nearly equivalent to the NHS budget of £189bn for 2021/22.

However, Carers UK reported that many carers struggle to manage their dual roles, with an average of 600 people leaving work every day to provide care.

Despite this, only 18% of carers had access to paid leave through their employers, and awareness of the Carer’s Leave Act remained low – just 42% were aware of the legislation, with only 24% knowing much about it.

Younger carers aged 18 to 44 were found to be disproportionately affected.

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, stated: “Many carers find it increasingly difficult to juggle work and care, particularly if they are not receiving sufficient support.

“Whilst the Carer’s Leave Act was a huge step forward, benefitting over 2 million employees, it’s important that all unpaid carers who want to remain in work are able to do so.”

Carers UK urged the Government to build on existing legislation by introducing a statutory right to paid Carer’s Leave through the Employment Rights Bill.

The organisation also called on employers to fully implement the Carer’s Leave Act and adopt carer-friendly policies, such as paid leave, to better support working carers.

The research also highlighted the growing economic value of unpaid care across the UK, described by Professor Matt Bennett, a lead researcher, as “the value of care equivalent to a second NHS.”

Ariam Enraght-Moony, chief people officer at TSB, said: “It’s clear that working carers should be better supported to fulfil their caring duties.

“The reality is far too many simply cannot afford to take unpaid carer’s leave.

“Having offered two weeks of paid Carer’s Leave a year to TSB colleagues for over four years, we have seen first-hand the positive impact it has on our colleagues and the lives of those they care for.

“We would encourage all big businesses to introduce this vital support.”