There are millions of people working full time jobs whilst caring for loved ones. Working carers play a vital role in our society, but they often go unnoticed and face difficult challenges at work. Supporting carers at work reduces absenteeism, stress and sick leave while making complex situations a little easier. The Carers Leave Act became law in 2024 and gives employees a statutory right to up to five days of unpaid leave to care for a dependent, but many see the Act as just the beginning and hope to see more support regulated, for example, turning unpaid into paid.

Fascinatingly, the issue of carers and the place and value of carers in society became a critical issue
in the UK’s recent election campaign. Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey pledged to be ‘the voice of carers’ during his campaign which netted the Lib Dems their highest ever seat total. Meanwhile Angela Rayner, a former carer herself, became Deputy Prime Minister as well as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Our free new guide, “Who cares about carers?”, examines what we can learn from some high profile carers’ stories, take a look at what the new government is expected to advance on the topic and gives some tips for organisations on how they can best support their employees that are also carers.