Government launches consultation on carers' rights and leave for parents of seriously ill children

Background

On 9 June 2026, the Department for Business and Trade published a consultation on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children.

The consultation follows the introduction of statutory unpaid carer's leave in April 2024, which gives eligible employees the right to take up to five days' unpaid leave each year to provide or arrange care for a dependant with long-term care needs.

The government has previously committed to reviewing how the new right is operating in practice and considering whether additional support may be required for employees with caring responsibilities.
The consultation closes on 1 September 2026.

Consultation proposals

The government's consultation aims to gather evidence on the efficacy of current employment rights for carers and to explore potential reforms, rather than presenting firm policy proposals at this stage. It seeks views on whether the existing entitlement of five days' unpaid carer's leave should be extended, whether longer periods of protected unpaid leave might be appropriate, and whether there is a case for introducing paid carer's leave. Key considerations include eligibility criteria, evidence requirements, and the appropriate level of payment for any new entitlements.

The government is also considering whether further guidance or support is needed to help employers and employees understand the rights available to carers.

A separate chapter focuses on parents of seriously ill children. The consultation examines the possibility of introducing a new statutory right to paid leave following the diagnosis of a serious childhood illness, sometimes referred to as "Hugh's Law". Questions are asked about eligibility, qualifying conditions, the amount of leave that should be available and the level of statutory pay that might apply.

No decisions have been made, as the government seeks to understand the practical implications of various approaches for both employers and employees.

Learning points for employers

Although no legislative changes have been proposed at this stage, the consultation provides a useful indication of the government's continuing interest in expanding workplace support for carers. Employers may wish to review their existing policies and consider whether current arrangements provide sufficient flexibility for employees with caring responsibilities. The consultation also highlights the possibility of future reforms in this area, including the introduction of paid carer's leave and new rights for parents of seriously ill children. Organisations may therefore wish to monitor developments closely and consider responding to the consultation, particularly where proposed changes could have significant operational or cost implications.

For more information or advice, please get in touch with Alice Mennell in our Employment team.