The purpose of carers’ leave is to enable carers some additional flexibility to deal with short-term requirements. Examples of the way that carers’ leave might be used are:
- To set up and/or settle a dependent into a new care arrangement
- To support a dependent who has an acute caring need (such as following an accident/operation, or due to illness or disability)
- To accompany a dependent on a trip when they will be a required to carry out care responsibilities
- To visit a dependent who lives in a different region or country
Parents who wish to take unpaid leave to care for a child should use the parental leave scheme.
The scheme is intended to deal with short-term needs. Where an individual has longer term needs for flexibility in working arrangements, see ‘alternative options’ below.