As a carer, it can be incredibly hard to juggle work and caring, with many carers having to give up work to care for their loved one full time. But if you are still working and caring, or you are looking to get back into work after a period of looking after someone, it’s important to know your rights.
Right to request flexible working
All employees have a right to request flexible working after they have worked for the same employer for 26 weeks (six months), as long as they haven’t already made a flexible working request within the last 12 months. Flexible working could mean working from home, compressed working hours, flexi-working, job sharing and more. Find out more about requesting flexible working at the nidirect website – www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/flexible-working-and-work-life-balance
Right to time of in an emergency
All employees have the right to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off work to deal with an emergency or an unforeseen matter. This may be your partner, child or parent, or someone living with you as part of your family – others who rely on you for help in an emergency may also qualify. The time off is unpaid unless your employer is willing to give paid time off as a contractual right. Find out more on the Carers Trust website – www.carers.org/help-for-carers/introduction
