When is a worker entitled to informal care leave?

An employee has the right to take unpaid leave from work if they need time to provide personal help or support to a family member or a close relative living in the same household. Family members include the employee’s child, parent, spouse, cohabiting partner, or someone in a registered partnership with the employee. A close relative living in the same household could be, for example, a spouse’s child. 

The condition for carer’s leave is that the family member or relative needs significant help and support due to a serious illness or injury. The assistance provided requires immediate presence because the person’s ability to function is severely reduced. 

During the leave, you might, for example, accompany your relative to the hospital or help arrange services when they return home from hospital care. Employees are also entitled to leave when they participate in end-of-life care for a family member or relative. 

You can take up to five working days of carer’s leave per calendar year. The leave can be taken in multiple periods as full workdays. The employer and employee can also agree to take the leave in part-day intervals.