Earlier this month, Wendy Chamberlain, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North East Fife, announced her intention to introduce landmark new rights for unpaid carers in the workplace with a Private Member’s Bill.
The Bill, entitled the Carer’s Leave Bill, seeks to introduce a right to unpaid leave for employees with caring responsibilities. The Bill will be published at a later date and will provide more detail.
Wendy Chamberlain MP said:
“Unpaid carers are the absolute backbone of our society. It is estimated that at least 2.3 million working carers could be eligible for leave under this bill: a huge number of people who currently receive far too little support. This bill will help carers juggle work and care whilst supporting employers to maximise retention and wellbeing. Passing it will be a significant step forwards from all sides. I am so excited to bring forward this bill and to have the support of Carers UK on this journey.”
Although the right would be unpaid, it would still be a landmark piece of legislation ensuring that all employers had to recognise carers. At Signpost we will be supporting this Bill and are excited to see what happens next.
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