Carer’s Leave Bill: one step away from becoming law

The Carer’s Leave Bill has today successfully passed its third reading in the House of Lords, meaning it is now just one step away from receiving Royal Assent and becoming law.

Once granted Royal Assent, the proposed legislation will see employees across Great Britain gain a landmark new right to take up to one week of unpaid Carer’s Leave.

The Private Member’s Bill was brought forward by Wendy Chamberlain MP and has cross-party support from MPs, peers and the Government.

The national charity Carers UK has campaigned for decades to secure better recognition and support for unpaid carers juggling paid employment with care for older, disabled or seriously ill relatives or friends.

The Bill will provide much-needed support to unpaid carers who often need flexibility from their employers to provide care.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK said:

“The Carer’s Leave Bill has enormous potential to improve the work-life balance of more than two million employees in Great Britain currently juggling their work with unpaid caring responsibilities for loved ones. It will mean unpaid carers can be there for their loved ones when they need them most - while staying in paid work.

“We are delighted the Bill has received wide-ranging support across the benches in Parliament and are excited about the next step for the Bill – gaining Royal Assent.”

Wendy Chamberlain MP said:

“Caring is a universal experience – almost all of us will care or be cared for at   some point in our lives. But for too long carers have been thanked by our leaders but forgotten in policy and in the workplace. My Bill will change that, and I hope spark a transformation for unpaid carers in workplaces up and down the country.

“It has been an honour meeting with unpaid carers during this process, and it is with them in mind that I am celebrating the passage of the Bill through the Lords today.”

Lord Fox said:

“It has been a privilege to hear first-hand from unpaid carers what a difference this Bill will make. I am proud to have played a role in its journey to becoming law. It will help millions of unpaid carers better balance work and care.”

Having passed all the parliamentary stages in both the House of Commons and House of Lords, it is expected that the Bill will now receive Royal Assent.

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