Cornwall Carers Service
News & Events
Positive Step Forward: Government Reviews Employment Rights for Carers
20.11.25
The UK Government has announced a comprehensive review of employment rights for unpaid carers, a move that could significantly improve support for the millions of people balancing work and caring responsibilities across the country.
Carers Trust, a leading charity supporting unpaid carers, has welcomed this important announcement. The review represents a crucial opportunity to build on recent progress and create meaningful change for carers who are struggling to manage both employment and their caring duties.
Dominic King-Carter, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers Trust, responded to the government's announcement with cautious optimism. The organisation recognises that while the introduction of unpaid Carer's Leave was a positive first step, much more needs to be done to genuinely support carers in maintaining their connection to the workforce.
"We welcome the news that the UK Government is reviewing employment rights for unpaid carers. The introduction of a right to unpaid Carer's Leave was a step in the right direction. We look forward to working with Government to build on these foundations to better support carers in work to balance their jobs and caring responsibilities."— Dominic King-Carter, Carers Trust
The timing of this review is particularly significant given recent research that highlights the substantial economic costs of carers being unable to participate in paid employment. Carers Trust recently commissioned groundbreaking research titled "The hidden cost of unpaid care: the economic price of locking carers out of work," which reveals that the true economic cost of carers' disengagement from the workforce runs into the billions of pounds.
This research makes a compelling case that supporting carers into paid employment isn't just good social policy—it's good economic policy. When carers who are able and willing to work receive appropriate support, it benefits their household income, strengthens the broader economy, and directly contributes to the Government's economic growth objectives.
The Economic Impact of Supporting Carers
What This Means for Cornwall Carers
This government review could lead to real improvements in how carers across Cornwall are supported in the workplace. The consultation on wider employment support means that carers' experiences and needs will be directly considered in shaping future policy. Cornwall Carers Service remains committed to advocating for local carers and ensuring their voices are heard throughout this process.
Alongside this national review, Cornwall Carers Service works closely with Cornwall Council to improve employment rights for carers right here in Cornwall. Through this local partnership, we're able to address the specific challenges faced by carers in our communities and work toward practical solutions that reflect the unique circumstances of Cornwall's workforce and caring population.
Carers Trust has committed to working closely with the Government over the coming year to ensure that any future reforms truly reflect the needs and experiences of carers themselves. The organisation is focused on two key priorities: ensuring that carers currently in paid work receive the support and flexibility they need to sustain that employment, and making sure that carers who want to return to work are given effective support to re-enter the paid workforce.
The consultation on wider employment support represents a genuine opportunity for carers' voices to shape policy. This collaborative approach between government and organisations that understand carers' challenges offers hope for meaningful, practical improvements that could make a real difference to people's lives.
