Help local unpaid carers know their rights

Every day, 12,000 people in the UK become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or friend. Many don’t see themselves as carers at all — and as a result, they’re often unaware of their legal rights or the support and benefits they’re entitled to.

Yesterday, 20th November, was Carers Rights Day, a chance to celebrate carers and raise awareness of their legal rights and entitlements.

For many unpaid carers, knowing their rights can make a real difference—whether it’s balancing work alongside caring, navigating health or social care services, or simply trying to look after their health and wellbeing.

Below is a quick guide to the key rights unpaid carers may be entitled to:

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.

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.

The right to ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer

Carers can ask their GP practice to record them as a carer, which may provide priority for vaccinations and other health support.

The right (and choice) to request a free flu jab

Looking after our personal health and wellbeing is essential. Unpaid carers who care for someone who would be at risk if they became unwell—or if they are in receipt of Carer’s Allowance—are entitled to a free flu jab.

Protection against discrimination or harassment

Unpaid carers looking after an older or disabled person, are protected from discrimination or harassment linked to their caring role, as defined in the Equality Act 2010. They may also have protection under other equality laws.

Requesting a carer's assessment

Unpaid carers have the right to request a carer’s assessment. This helps identify the support they’re entitled to, regardless of how much or what type of care they provide.

Being consulted when the person you care for is discharged from hospital

Carers must be identified and consulted when the person they care for is being discharged from hospital, where possible.

This Carers Rights Day, Carers UK is encouraging unpaid carers to understand and exercise their rights. We’d appreciate your support in raising awareness of Carers Rights day within your networks and communities.

https://www.carersoxfordshire.org.uk/knowing-your-rights-as-an-unpaid-carer/