We are delighted to let you know that 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 – brought forward by Wendy Chamberlain MP last June, and taken through the Lords by Lord Fox – will see employees across Great Britain gain a landmark new right to take up to one week of unpaid Carer’s Leave, improving the work-life balance of more than two million employees who are currently juggling their work with unpaid caring responsibilities for loved ones.

The Bill received cross-party support from MPs and Peers, and the Government.  The law will need an implementation date which we expect to be in 2024 – this is when the law becomes “live”.

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, so this is a really significant and important day for the carers’ movement.

We are incredibly grateful for your interest and for the support you have provided in the passage of the Bill.