Unpaid leave a 'huge step' for carers

A NEW legal right to unpaid leave for carers has been hailed as a "huge step forward for millions".

- Aine Fox

Carers UK said it would apply to more than two million workers in England, Wales and Scotland who have unpaid caring responsibilities.

The charity added its past research had found around 600 people a day give up work so they can care due to a lack of flexibility and support.

Under the Carer's Leave Act, which comes into force tomorrow, employees who are carers can take up to a week of unpaid leave every 12 equating to five working months days for most people.