Carer’s Leave Policy
In this section
- Introduction
- Scope
- Definition of a carer
- Definition of a dependents
- Identification and disclosure
- Carer’s leave
- What carer’s leave can be used for
- How can carer’s leave be taken?
- Applying for Carer’s Leave
What carer’s leave can be used for
Carer’s leave can be used for a long-term care need. A dependant has a long-term care need if they:
- have an illness or injury (whether physical or mental) that requires, or is likely to require, care for more than three months.
- have a condition that amounts to a disability under the Equality Act 2010; or
- require care for a reason connected to their old age.
This statutory right to carer's leave applies to a wide range of caring situations, but excludes general childcare, except where your child meets the definition of a dependant with a long-term care need.
Where you have short term caring responsibilities, please refer the authority’s Leave and Absence, and Flexible Working policies and procedures. This will provide other options, eg, annual leave, Time Off for Dependents, etc.