Overview

This bill amends the Employment Rights Act 1996 to give employees more leave to care for disabled or ill dependants. It allows the Secretary of State to create regulations specifying how this leave will be used, including maximum durations and whether it can be taken in one block or multiple periods.

Description

The bill makes two key changes:

• Extends existing carer's leave: Current law allows leave for dependants who are ill; this bill adds "disabled" dependants to the eligibility criteria.
• Creates new regulations: The Secretary of State will create regulations detailing how this leave functions. These will cover aspects such as the maximum amount of leave, whether it can be taken as one continuous period or multiple shorter periods, and guarantees that employees retain job security and pay during the leave period.

These regulations must be approved by both Houses of Parliament before coming into force.

The bill applies to England, Wales and Scotland, but not Northern Ireland. It comes into effect two months after being passed.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify government spending. The cost will depend on the regulations made by the Secretary of State, impacting employers' costs and potentially increasing indirect government spending in associated welfare benefits if employees are unable to receive pay during their carer's leave.

Groups Affected

• Employees: Those with disabled or ill dependants will gain access to additional carer's leave, potentially improving work-life balance and reducing work-related stress.
• Employers: They will face the potential increased cost of covering employees' absence. The regulations will determine the extent of this cost.
• Dependants: Those who are disabled or ill will benefit from having their carers available to support them.

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