What are my rights as a working carer?
Your rights in work come from two sources:
- The law gives you ‘statutory rights’ which everyone has.
- Your contract of employment gives you ‘contractual rights’ which can be more generous than statutory rights.
In this section, we're providing guidance about your statutory rights as a working carer. However, it's always worth checking your contract of employment, staff handbook, HR policies or letter of appointment to see if you have any contractual rights on top of your statutory rights.
Note: For further information about your general rights, see the gov.uk website.
For a summary of your statutory rights, you can also take a look at our factsheet, Your rights in work.
Find out more about your rights at work
Latest updates

New rise in Carer’s Allowance earnings limit to increase earning potential for carers on a low income
The earnings limit on Carer’s Allowance, the main carers’ benefit, will go up from £151 per week to £196 per…

Spring statement: Shocking carers' benefits cuts are a first in decades
“Today’s spring statement confirms that the Government’s welfare reform plans will include the first substantial cuts to Carer’s Allowance in…

Thousands of carers receiving new debt letters as review into Carer’s Allowance overpayments continues
The number of carers facing overpayment debts continues to rise.

Carers UK responds to the Government’s publication of the welfare reform green paper proposing changes to disability and health benefits
“We are very concerned that the plans the Government has published today could hit unpaid carers, disabled people and their…
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