New law will allow parents of seriously ill children to take paid leave

Under new proposals, the parents of children with serious illnesses may be able to claim paid leave in order to care for their child. Since April 2024, employees who are carers for a dependent have been entitled to up to a week of unpaid leave every 12 months - equating to five days for most people. However under a new consultation, the Government has proposed introducing paid carer's leave, as well as introducing for a new "right to return" to work for carers, which would be similar to mothers coming back to work after maternity leave. Employment right minister, Kate Dearden, said the proposals are aimed at "making sure the world of work reflects the reality of people’s lives". She said: "Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a partner with a long-term illness, or a child fighting a serious disease, you shouldn’t have to choose between your job and those you love. These proposed reforms are about making sure the world of work reflects the reality of people’s lives." The change has also been welcomed by bereaved father, Ceri Menai-Davis, whose son, Hugh Menai-Davis, died in 2021, aged six, after suffering from cancer. Mr Menai-Davis hailed the proposal as a "hugely significant moment". Hugh’s father said he and his wife’s world "stopped overnight" when their son was diagnosed and they "quickly discovered that whilst there is a framework to support the child through treatment, there is very little support for the parents standing beside them". He added: "No parent should have to choose between being at their child’s hospital bedside and paying the mortgage." Mr Menai-Davis is also encouraging "parents, carers, employers and organisations" to contribute to the consultation, which will run until September 1. He said the consultation could "help shape a system that reflects the realities families face during some of the most difficult days of their lives". He added: "If Hugh’s legacy can help ensure that future families receive the support they need from day one, then that will be a lasting and meaningful change for generations to come." On the proposals, Care minister Stephen Kinnock also commented: "Unpaid carers provide a vital service, caring for their family, friends and loved ones. They often put the needs of others before their own and we owe them a debt of gratitude for all they do. That is why we must make sure unpaid carers are not left behind or forgotten and our reforms will help provide the support carers need, while making sure they are not compromising their work or careers." The Department for Business and Trade added unpaid carers feeling forced to cut their working hours, delay returning to work or quitting altogether costs the economy an estimated £37 billion a year. It said new protections could result in thousands with caring responsibilities returning to work with increased flexibility and financial security. The consultation follows campaigns for paid leave for from the charity Carers UK, with the group arguing current workplace support and employment rights "do not reflect the realities of caring". Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said the launch of the consultation is a "significant moment". She added that around 2.8 million unpaid carers across the UK currently face balancing work and care and therefore "helping carers remain in employment is both a social and economic priority".