Carer's Leave Policy Template for UK Businesses
A carer's leave policy covers the statutory right of employees to take unpaid time off to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need. The Carer's Leave Act 2023 (in force from April 2024) gives employees the right to one week of unpaid leave per year, available from day one of employment. This is separate from and additional to the existing right to time off for dependants under section 57A of the Employment Rights Act 1996, which covers emergency situations only.
Who Needs This Policy?
All UK employers must provide carer's leave from April 2024. The Carer's Leave Act 2023 applies to all employers regardless of size. It benefits approximately 2.4 million working carers in the UK — people who balance employment with caring responsibilities for a spouse, civil partner, child, parent, or other dependant with a long-term care need (defined as illness or injury requiring care for more than 3 months, disability, or issues related to old age).
What's Covered
This carer's leave policy template covers 9 key sections:
Purpose
This policy explains the statutory right to carer's leave introduced by the Carer's Leave Act 2023, in force from April ...
Scope
This policy applies to all employees of [your details] from their first day of employment. Carer's leave is a day-one ri...
Policy Statement
[your details] will ensure that all eligible employees are able to take carer's leave without fear of detriment or dismi...
Entitlement
Eligible employees are entitled to 1 week (5 working days for a full-time employee, pro-rated for part-time employees) o...
Notification Requirements
Employees must give notice of their intention to take carer's leave. The notice period depends on the length of leave: ...
Rights During and After Carer's Leave
During carer's leave, the employee's contract of employment continues and they are entitled to the benefit of all their ...
Roles and Responsibilities
is responsible for: - Ensuring all employees are aware of carer's leave entitlements - Processing requests promptly and...
Related Policies
This policy should be read alongside the following policies: - Time Off for Dependants Policy - Flexible Working Policy...
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to carer's leave legislation or government guidanc...
Legal Framework
This policy template is grounded in the following UK legislation and guidance:
- Carer's Leave Act 2023
- Carer's Leave Regulations 2024 (SI 2024/XXX)
- Employment Rights Act 1996, ss.80H-80I (as inserted)
How Complaiance Helps
Our carer's leave policy goes beyond a generic template:
- Compliant with the Carer's Leave Act 2023 and Carer's Leave Regulations 2024
- Clear definition of 'long-term care need' covering illness, disability, and old age
- Flexible booking provisions — leave can be taken as half-days or individual days, not just full weeks
- Self-certification process (no requirement for employees to provide evidence of the care need)
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Get Started FreeFrequently Asked Questions
How much carer's leave are employees entitled to?
Under the Carer's Leave Act 2023, employees are entitled to one week (5 working days for full-time employees, pro-rated for part-time) of unpaid carer's leave per rolling 12-month period. The leave can be taken as a whole week, individual days, or half-days. It is a day-one right — no qualifying period of continuous service is required.
Does an employee need to prove they are a carer?
No. The Carer's Leave Regulations 2024 operate on a self-certification basis. The employee must notify the employer that they are taking carer's leave and that they have a dependant with a long-term care need, but they do not need to provide medical evidence or specify who they are caring for. The employer cannot request proof.
What is the difference between carer's leave and time off for dependants?
Time off for dependants under section 57A of the Employment Rights Act 1996 covers unexpected or emergency situations (e.g., a dependant falls ill, care arrangements break down). Carer's leave under the Carer's Leave Act 2023 covers planned, ongoing care for a dependant with a long-term care need. Both are unpaid, but they serve different purposes and the entitlements are separate.