Time off for Emergencies

Everyone, including Carers, has a right to time off in emergencies under the Employment Relations Act 1999. You are entitled to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off if you have worked for your employer for at least a year (if you have not worked for them for this long, most employers would still negotiate this with you) and there is an emergency relating to the person you care for.

It is at the employers' discretion whether this is paid or unpaid leave.

The emergency could be:

a breakdown in the care arrangements
the person you care for falls ill or has an accident – this can be physical or emotional
your child has an incident during school hours
making longer term care arrangements
time off following the death of a dependent.

To use this right, employees must inform their employer as soon as possible after the emergency has happened.

Protection from Discrimination

In July 2008 the European Court of Justice ruled on the Sharon Coleman case that laws relating to discrimination of disabled people should also apply to their parents and Carers. The implications of this judgment on the principle of ‘discrimination by association’ are potentially huge and employers will need to ensure they are not discriminating against employees with caring responsibilities.

If you think you have been treated unfavourably, seek further advice from your union or a legal adviser. See Sources of Information.

Other leave arrangements include offering sick or compassionate leave or a system of planned leave. Your organisation may have a Carers’ Policy, which might entitle you to extra leave. These will be outlined in your employment contract, the organisation's policies or staff handbook. For example, you may be able to use leave arrangements, paid or unpaid, at the discretion of your employer to cover intensive or difficult periods of care.

If you are thinking of giving up work, a career break (or sabbatical) would allow you to keep your options open, ensuring you could go back, and keeping you in touch with the world of work. Some employers offer paid and/or unpaid career breaks, often after a specified period of service with them, so check your organisation's policies.

If you are unsure what option would be best for you and would like to discuss it with someone contact Carers Bucks and talk to one of our Carer Support Workers.

Top of Page