Carer's leave: the statutory right

Since April 2024 (the Carer's Leave Act 2023), every employee can take one week of unpaid leave every 12 months to arrange or provide care for a dependant with a long-term care need. It's a day-one right — no qualifying service.

The entitlement

2026/27

1 week unpaid, per rolling 12 months

A 'week' is your normal working week — 3 days for a 3-day worker. Take it as full days or half days, together or scattered.

Who counts as a dependant with long-term needs

Spouse, civil partner, child or parent; anyone living in your household (not lodgers/tenants); or anyone who reasonably relies on you for care.
Their care need is long-term when it stems from: an illness or injury likely to need care for more than 3 months, a disability under the Equality Act 2010, or old age.
No evidence can be demanded — the right is self-certified, and one week covers all dependants combined, not one week each.

Notice and postponement — the exact rules

Carer's leave mechanics (Carer's Leave Regulations 2024)
Rule	Detail
Notice for ≤1 day	At least 3 days before
Notice for longer	Twice the length of the leave (4 days' leave → 8 days' notice)
Form of notice	Need not be in writing; no reason can be required
Refusal	Not allowed — ever
Postponement	Only for serious operational disruption; new date within 1 month, reasons in writing within 7 days
Protection	Dismissal or detriment for taking it is automatically unfair

Paid alternatives to check first

Because the statutory week is unpaid, check what sits alongside it: many employers offer paid carer or emergency days (NHS trusts commonly do — carer's leave for NHS staff); genuine emergencies are covered by the separate right to time off for dependants; and a permanent change of pattern is a flexible working request, also a day-one right.

Common questions

Is carer's leave ever paid?

The statutory scheme is unpaid. An employer can choose to pay it, and government reviews of paid carer's leave continue under the Employment Rights Act programme — this page tracks any change.

Does carer's leave affect pension or continuity of service?

No — continuity is preserved and contractual terms other than pay continue through the leave.

Can I take it to accompany someone to a hospital appointment?

Yes — providing or arranging care includes accompanying a dependant to appointments. Half-day units make this the classic use.

Is there a carer's leave 'form'?

No statutory form — verbal notice meeting the timing rules is enough, though email creates a useful record. Employers can't demand proof of the dependant's condition.

Sources for the figures on this page

Last checked 3 July 2026

How we keep these current: methodology & update policy.