In June 2022, Wendy Chamberlain MP announced that she would be bringing forward a Private Member’s Bill entitled the Carer’s Leave Bill. This will, for the first time, make provisions for unpaid leave for employees with caring responsibilities. The objective of the Bill will be to support carers to juggle work and care and for employers to maximise retention and wellbeing. The Bill had its First Reading on 14 June, and was published before the original Second Reading date on 9 September – which was suspended due to the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
The Bill successfully passed its Second Reading and secured vital Government support on the rescheduled date of Friday 21 October 2022 and was also successful at Committee Stage on Wednesday 9 November 2022. The Bill was also successful at Report Stage and Third Reading in the House of Commons, which took place on Friday 3 February 2023.
The Bill started its journey in the House of Lords successfully, passing its Second Reading on Friday 3 March 2023. On Wednesday 19 April 2023, the Bill was successful at Committee Stage.
Carers UK will continue to update briefings and detail on the Bill as it completes its final stages.
Supporters include, along with Carers UK, Carers Wales, Carers Scotland, the Care and Support Alliance, MS Society, Age UK, Fawcett, Working Families and the Chartered Institute for Personnel Development.
If you or your organisation would like to support the Bill and our campaign, please click the NEXT button below. On the next page, you will be asked to provide your contact details and other information.
