Commencing April 6, 2024, employees will be granted the opportunity to take one week of unpaid leave to attend to caregiving duties. This entitlement initiates from their commencement of employment and can be utilised to cater to the needs of dependents requiring long-term care. Such dependents encompass individuals with ailments or injuries necessitating care exceeding three months, those with disabilities, or elderly dependents.

As per this Act, employees are entitled to one week of unpaid leave per annum (every 12 months). The term ‘week’ denotes the duration typically worked over seven days. This leave can be taken as full days, half days dispersed throughout the year, or consecutively (all at once). For requests of half a day or a full day, a minimum notice period of three days is mandated. Requests spanning multiple days necessitate a notice period twice as long as the duration of leave sought.

**Policy Formulation:** The formulation of a comprehensive policy is vital to ensure clarity for both employees and managers regarding entitlements and procedural guidelines and policies are reflective of the Carers Leave Act 2023.

**Establishment of Record-Keeping ** Maintaining accurate records of employees’ request of this leave is essential for regulatory compliance and effective management.

Further reading https://www.gov.uk/carers-leave

**Note:** Local Authorities will be updating relevant linked policies to align with these changes.