Millions of unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children could be given new workplace protections, including paid leave, under new plans announced by government.

The Minister of Employment Rights has launched a new consultation aimed at supporting people with caring responsibilities to return to work with increased flexibility and financial security.

Since April 2024, employees who are carers have been entitled to up to a week of unpaid leave every 12 months, equating to five days for most people. However, under the new consultation, the government is proposing to induce paid leave for the first time.

Other proposed reforms include a new “right to return” to work after a period of intensive caring — similar to protections currently enjoyed by those on maternity leave – and new guidance to help workers and employers better understand carers’ workplace protections. 

Minister for Employment Rights Kate Dearden said: “Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a partner with a long-term illness, or a child fighting a serious disease, you shouldn’t have to choose between your job and those you love. 

“These proposed reforms are about making sure the world of work reflects the reality of people’s lives.”

The government estimates that around 3 million unpaid carers balance work with caring responsibilities, yet many are forced to reduce their hours, delay returning to employment, or leave the workforce entirely, at an estimated cost to the economy of £37 billion a year.  

Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “We must make sure unpaid carers are not left behind or forgotten and our reforms will help provide the support carers need, while making sure they are not compromising their work or careers.

“The government is also seeking views on what has become known as Hugh’s Law — named in memory of Hugh Menai-Davis, who died aged six from cancer in 2021.

“His family, alongside their charity It’s Never You, have campaigned for paid leave and financial support for parents in the immediate and prolonged aftermath of a child’s serious diagnosis.”

Commenting on the proposed reforms, Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “The launch of this consultation is a significant moment in Carers UK’s longstanding campaign to secure stronger rights for working carers. Too many carers currently have no choice but to reduce their hours or leave work altogether because workplace support and employment rights do not reflect the realities of caring.  

“This consultation provides an important opportunity to address that and consider further reform, including paid Carer’s Leave. With 2.8 million unpaid carers already balancing work and care, helping carers remain in employment is both a social and economic priority.

“We strongly encourage carers and employers to respond to this consultation and look forward to working with the Government to help deliver meaningful change for carers.”

The consultation will close on 1 September 2026. It can be found here