Local Liberal Democrats welcome Carer’s Leave Bill

The Carer’s Leave Bill sponsored by Scottish Liberal Democrat North East Fife MP Wendy Chamberlain has now passed all its stages in the United Kingdom Parliament and will become law.  Wendy Chamberlain introduced the Carer’s Leave Bill last June after winning a place in the Private Member’s Bill lottery. The measures are set to come into effect next year and will give unpaid carers a legal right to take additional leave from work.

The Bill will give an estimated 2.4 million carers across the UK a statutory right to take five days of unpaid leave per year. Carer’s UK have described this as a ‘landmark’ piece of legislation which would help carers to better balance work and care.

Rutherglen Liberal Democrat Councillor Robert Brown welcomed the passage of the Bill. He said:

“Millions of unpaid carers across the country are gaining a new employment right for the first time. Next year, because of this law, unpaid carers will become entitled for the first time to take additional unpaid leave from work to help balance caring responsibilities.

Carers are the unsung heroes of our society and I hope that this welcome new law will kickstart a transformation in the recognition and support of carers in the workplace. Some companies already give their staff such a right and it benefits businesses too in reduced recruitment costs, and improved retention and wellbeing of staff.”