What are my rights as a working carer?
Your rights in work come from two sources:
- The law gives you ‘statutory rights’ which everyone has.
- Your contract of employment gives you ‘contractual rights’ which can be more generous than statutory rights.
In this section, we're providing guidance about your statutory rights as a working carer. However, it's always worth checking your contract of employment, staff handbook, HR policies or letter of appointment to see if you have any contractual rights on top of your statutory rights.
Note: For further information about your general rights, see the GOV.UK website.
For a summary of your statutory rights, you can also take a look at our factsheet, Your rights in work.
Find out more about your rights at work
Latest updates
Carers UK launches manifesto calling on political parties to commit to a new social contract for unpaid carers.
Today (Thursday 18 April, 2024) charity Carers UK has launched its manifesto setting out how the next Government could dramatically…
Support for Carers UK's Carer's Allowance overpayments campaign
Carers UK overwhelmed by support from senior politicians encourages carers to share their experience of Carer’s Allowance overpayments as Government…
Carers UK responds to news reports of Carer's Allowance overpayments case
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “The overpayments case highlighted in the media over the weekend is indicative…
NI’s unpaid carers ‘left behind’ in new UK employment law, campaigners warn
Carers call for action from Stormont on carer's leave in Northern Ireland.
Got a question about caring?
Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member
Become a member for free
Joining Carers UK is free and takes just a few minutes.