My Rights as a Carer

Rights as a Carer

Caring for a loved one is a significant responsibility, and Carers have legal rights designed to support them in this vital role. If you're an unpaid Carer-looking after a family member, partner, or friend who couldn’t cope without your help-you have the right to:

- Carer's Assessments:
If you're over 18 and provide regular care, you can request an assessment focusing on your needs, regardless of care hours. This is based on where the person you care for lives; information can be usually found via the local authority or Carers services.
- GP Practice Support:
Right to be identified as a Carer on your patient record for priority vaccines (like flu jabs) and health checks.
- Hospital Discharge:
Hospitals must identify and consult with you when the person you care for is discharged.
- Being Heard:
Your views and needs must be considered in the care plan for the person you care for.

In Employment
- Carer's Leave: A new law grants employees the right to one week of unpaid leave per year for caring responsibilities.
- Flexible Working: You can request flexible hours or locations to balance work and care.
- Time Off in Emergencies: Right to take reasonable, unpaid time off for dependants in emergencies.
- Anti-Discrimination: Protected from unfair treatment (e.g., job opportunities, promotions) due to caring under the Equality Act 2010.
Key Actions to Take is to talk to Your Employer:

Understanding your rights helps you care more effectively while also looking after your own well-being. Help is available-knowing where to find it is the first step

For more information visit:

Being Heard – Carers UK: https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/guides-and-tools/being-heard-a-self-advocacy-guide-for-carers/

‘Being Heard’ are guides produced by Carers UK to help anyone with caring responsibilities understand their rights and gain confidence to assert them with professionals. For more information please watch the following short video: