Knowing your rights as an unpaid carer

Every day, thousands of people across the UK take on unpaid caring responsibilities for a partner, family member, or friend. Many don’t see themselves as carers—and as a result, they may be unaware of the support, protections, and benefits they are entitled to.

20 November marks Carers Rights Day, a chance to celebrate carers and raise awareness of the rights and entitlements available to anyone providing unpaid care.

Knowing your rights can make a real difference—whether you’re juggling work alongside caring, navigating health or social care services, or simply looking after your own wellbeing.

1. The right to unpaid carer’s leave
   The Carer’s Leave Act, introduced in 2024, gives employees providing unpaid care the right to up to five days of unpaid leave each year. This offers valuable flexibility to help carers manage daily challenges and remain in work.
   
2. The right to request flexible working
   Carers can request flexible working from their first day in a job, asking for changes to hours, patterns or location. The new law also allows multiple requests yearly, offering flexibility when balancing work and caring.
   
3. The right to ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer
   If you provide unpaid care, you can ask your GP practice to record you as a carer. This may give you priority for vaccinations and other health support.
   
4. The right (and choice) to request a free flu jab
   As an unpaid carer, looking after your own health is essential. If you care for someone who would be at risk if you became unwell—or if you receive Carer’s Allowance—you’re entitled to a free flu jab. Speak to your GP or local pharmacist.
   
5. Protection against discrimination or harassment
   If you look after an older or disabled person, the Equality Act 2010 protects you from discrimination or harassment linked to your caring role. You may also have protection under other equality laws. Knowing your rights can help if you ever feel you’ve been treated unfairly.
   
6. Requesting a carer’s assessment
   As an unpaid carer, you can request a carer’s assessment. This helps identify the support you’re entitled to, regardless of how much or what type of care you provide.
   
7. Being consulted when the person you care for is discharged from hospital
   If you are a carer and the person you care for is being discharged from hospital, the hospital must identify and consult with you, where possible.

Find out more about Carers Rights Day, and the above rights, on the Carers UK website.