Working & Caring: Your Rights and How to Talk to Your Employer

April 25th, 2025

Working carers have legal rights to help balance employment and caring responsibilities.

These include the right to request flexible working from day one, unpaid emergency leave for dependents, and up to one week of unpaid Carer’s Leave annually. To talk to your employer, be clear and proactive—explain your situation and suggest practical adjustments. Employers must consider requests reasonably, and supporting carers can benefit the workplace. Resources like Carers UK offer guidance. Understanding your rights and having open conversations with your employer can make it easier to manage both your job and your caring role effectively.

Know Your Rights

Balancing work and caring responsibilities can be challenging, but knowing your rights makes it more manageable. Whether you’re caring for a child, elderly relative, or someone with a disability, it’s important to understand the support available to you and how to talk to your employer about it.

Under UK law, all employees have the right to request flexible working. As of April 2024, this right is available from the first day of employment. Flexible working can take many forms, including part-time hours, job sharing, remote working, or flexible start and finish times. Employers are legally required to consider requests reasonably and respond within three months.

You are also entitled to take unpaid time off in emergencies to care for a dependent. This can be used when normal care arrangements unexpectedly break down or when a dependent becomes ill. Additionally, a new entitlement introduced in April 2024 allows employees to take up to one week of unpaid Carer’s Leave each year, which can be taken flexibly depending on your needs.

If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to juggle work and caring responsibilities, it’s also worth exploring formal support options. You can request a carer’s assessment from your local authority to look at your own needs as a carer. At the same time, the person you care for may be eligible for a needs assessment, which could result in support such as a care worker to assist with daily tasks or a support worker to help with mobility and independence. This can reduce the pressure on you as a carer and allow you to focus on both your work and wellbeing.

When it comes to speaking with your employer, being open and constructive is key. Clearly explain your situation and propose adjustments that could help you manage both work and care effectively. It’s helpful to put your request in writing, outlining the new arrangement and how you’ll continue to meet your responsibilities. Many employers welcome these conversations and value staff who are proactive in managing their work-life balance.

Employment & Caring Can Work

By knowing your rights and communicating openly, you can create a more manageable balance between work and caring. Don’t be afraid to start the conversation—most employers value honest dialogue and want to support their staff. If you’re struggling, remember there’s also help available through your local authority.

With the right approach and support, it’s entirely possible to thrive both personally and professionally while fulfilling your caring role