Working Carers Rights

The Challenges of Working and Caring
Many employees with caring responsibilities can feel isolated at work, especially if colleagues don’t fully understand the demands of a caring role. Caring is often unpredictable and difficult to fit around a paid job.

Because of this, some carers reduce their hours—or even leave work altogether—to provide the support their loved one needs. Others may need to find more flexible employment.

These decisions can have a big impact. Financially, leaving or reducing work can make life more difficult. Emotionally, giving up a job you enjoy—and that supports your own wellbeing—can also be a real loss.

Your Rights as a Working Carer
If you want to stay in work while caring, there are steps you can take to help manage both roles.

As an informal carer, you have statutory rights (set out in law and applying to everyone), as well as contractual rights (specific to your own employment contract). Knowing these rights can make it easier to balance work and caring responsibilities.

[Find out more about statutory and contractual rights for working carers]
[Information for employers: how to support carers in the workplace]