Petition · Department for Work and Pensions, Department of Health and Social Care

Introduce a statutory right to paid caring leave

Open for signatures 13 signatures

What the petition asks

Introduce paid statutory leave for employees who are caring for seriously ill or elderly relatives.
Current carer’s leave is often unpaid, forcing many to take annual leave, reduce their working hours or leave work. As the UK’s population ages, more employees will have caring responsibilities. This could help reduce financial hardship, support mental wellbeing and recognise the vital contribution of unpaid carers.

Timeline

27 Aug 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 13
Status Open for signatures
Department Department for Work and Pensions, Department of Health and Social Care
Opened 27 Aug 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 28 Aug 2026.