Zarah ChoudharyOne year on from the implementation of the Carer’s Leave Act, the UK has ranked just 10th in Europe for carer leave provision, according to analysis from Seniorcare by Lottie, an eldercare benefits provider.
The Carer’s Leave Act, which came into force on 6th April 2024, allows unpaid carers in the UK to take up to one week of unpaid leave.
Seniorcare by Lottie found that the UK offered minimal support for employees with caregiving responsibilities compared to neighbouring countries.
Sweden ranked first, offering up to 100 days of leave at 80% pay.
Italy ranked second, offering three days of paid leave per month.
The Netherlands was third, allowing leave equal to double the number of hours worked each week at 70% pay.
Ireland provided between 13 and 104 weeks of unpaid leave.
Bulgaria offered 10 days of paid leave.
Germany ranked sixth, providing 10 days of paid leave and up to six months of unpaid leave for long-term care.
Denmark allowed up to six months of unpaid leave annually.
Austria and France both offered up to three months of unpaid leave.
Spain and Serbia, ranked ninth, offering five days of paid leave annually.
The UK, ranked 10th, allowing up to one week of unpaid leave, reflective of an employee’s contracted days.
For example, an employee contracted to a three-day working week would be entitled to three days of leave.
Poland, Greece, Belgium and Finland offered five days of unpaid leave annually, meeting the EU minimum standard.
Seniorcare by Lottie’s analysis found that while the EU mandated a minimum of five days of unpaid leave, many EU countries went beyond this requirement.
Demand for eldercare is rising, with more UK employees now caring for ageing parents or relatives rather than children.
Elliott Winter, commercial lead at Seniorcare by Lottie, said: “The UK’s Carers Leave Act has made it law to offer all employees up to seven working days of unpaid leave to provide care for a loved one, and has been a stepping stone in recognising the key role informal carers play in society.
“While the UK has made progress in supporting informal carers in the workplace, our analysis shows there is still lots to learn from other European countries, especially when it comes to generous and flexible carers leave policies, particularly in terms of paid leave.
“With an ageing population, more employees are now balancing work with caring for elderly dependents rather than children, making it more important than ever before for employers to provide meaningful support for informal carers in the workplace.
“Looking to neighbouring EU countries, we can learn valuable lessons in flexibility, longer-term commitment and financial support that can progress the way we approach carers’ leave here in the UK.
“With an ageing population, more employees are now balancing work with caring for elderly dependents rather than children, making it more important than ever before for employers to provide meaningful support for informal carers in the workplace.
“Looking to neighbouring EU countries, we can learn valuable lessons in flexibility, longer-term commitment and financial support that can progress the way we approach carers to leave here in the UK.”
Winter added: “As an employer, there are lots of practical steps you can take to offer enhanced support for employees juggling work and care commitments that go beyond the UK standard legislation of one-week unpaid leave, to better support employees in the workplace.”
Winter suggested that employers should develop a clear carers policy that goes beyond the minimum requirements of UK legislation.
