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
Carers UK reaction to Kate Garraway’s documentary, Derek’s Story
Commenting on ITV’s broadcast (Tues 26.03.2024) of the documentary by Kate Garraway caring for her husband Derek Draper who contracted…
Carers UK chosen as the Building Controls Industry Association’s charity partner until 2026
Carers UK is thrilled to have been selected as the next charity partner of the Building Controls Industry Association (BCIA)…
Unpaid carers in employment forced to reduce their working hours for the fifth consecutive year as Carer Poverty Coalition publishes its demands of government.
- Unpaid carers forced to reduce their working hours from April 2024.
- Carer Poverty Coalition of 130 organisations is calling…
International Women’s Day 2024: 10 facts about women who are unpaid carers
Highlighting women unpaid carers for International Women's Day.
Got a question about caring?
Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member
Become a member for free
Joining Carers UK is free and takes just a few minutes.