The State of Caring 2024 survey found that over half of working carers (56%) don’t feel they can use their statutory right to Carer’s Leave because they are worried about the financial implications of taking time off work unpaid.

78% of working carers responding to the survey said access to paid leave would better help them to balance their working responsibilities with caring for a family member, friend or neighbour.

Despite the vital care they provide, many unpaid carers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford day-to-day living costs due to rising prices and additional bills associated with their caring role. It is crucial that carers are able to stay in paid employment, if they wish to do so, so that they are able to manage the financial costs of caring. However, when employers do not provide sufficient support, many carers end up reducing their working hours or giving up work completely.

The survey found that:

· 73% of carers in employment said they had found it stressful to juggle work and care.

· 44% of carers in employment said they had reduced their working hours to care

· A quarter (25%) of carers in employment had to take on a lower paid or more junior role.

Carers UK is asking the Government to build on existing legislation within the Carer’s Leave Act, turning the existing statutory right of one week’s unpaid leave to paid Carer’s Leave through the passage of the Employment Rights Bill.

Carers UK is also calling on employers to implement the Carer’s Leave Act thoroughly within organisations. The survey found that there is more to do to promote understanding of the Carer’s Leave Act with employers and employees. 42% of carers said they were aware of the legislation and how it affects them, 24% said they had heard of it but didn’t know much about it, and 34% said they were not aware of it.

Read the report here.