New legislation recognising employees with caring responsibilities has continued its progress through parliament supported by Eastbourne and Willingdon MP Caroline Ansell.
The Carer’s Leave Bill, which has government support and was a Conservative manifesto commitment, has now completed all stages in the House of Commons.
Caroline has been a champion for more support for carers. She often meets with local caring groups and the carers themselves.
“I am delighted this bill continues to make its way through parliament because it is an important next step in recognising unpaid carers for the tremendous role they undertake,” said Caroline.
“Across Eastbourne and Willingdon and across the UK, family members, friends and neighbours – people who may not even recognise themselves as carers - are helping those close to them and, as I have said before, without their support, the social care system would collapse.
“My hope is this bill is the start of a sea change in how unpaid carers are recognised in the workplace. I know several brilliant local employers already offer flexibility and additional support but it is important that the right to take leave becomes the law so we can continue to make progress in this area in the years to come. Paid leave would be a natural next step.”
East Sussex charity Care for the Carers chief executive Jennifer Twist said: “We have been really touched by Caroline’s commitment to supporting this Bill.
“Successfully passing this legislation will provide unpaid carers with dedicated employment rights in recognition of their caring responsibilities for the very first time.
“Juggling work and care without the right support has led to hundreds of thousands of people having to leave the labour market.
“Introducing statutory Carer’s Leave will create a step change in carers’ employment rights, bringing much needed choices and recognition to the millions of carers who juggle caring for a relative or friend with paid employment.”
Caroline was a member of the 17 strong private member’s bill committee which sat in November and with government support, the bill will now pass to The House of Lords.
