The Carer’s Leave Bill, which aims to support millions of unpaid carers in employment, was discussed in the House of Commons this morning, with a cross-party group of MPs sitting on the Committee looking at the Bill in detail.

It was a positive discussion with clear support from all sides of the house, including the Government.

If successful in its passage through both Houses of Parliament, the Carer’s Leave Bill would see employees across Great Britain get a landmark new right to take up to one week of unpaid Carer’s Leave.

This leave would allow millions of people with caring responsibilities more flexibility to better manage work alongside their caring responsibilities - for example, to help get their loved one to routine hospital appointments, or support them while they recover from an invasive operation. 

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

“We are delighted that the Carer’s Leave Bill has passed Committee Stage and we’re grateful to all MPs who have examined the Bill.

“Caring is something that two in three of us in the UK will do in our lifetime, many of us while still in work, so it is essential that there is support in place to help carers balance their work and caring role.

“This Bill, if successful, would also enable employers to retain experienced staff who would otherwise have to leave because of their caring role, so it’s a win-win situation for both.

“We look forward to continuing our work with Wendy Chamberlain and the Government, and with MPs across all parties to ensure that this Bill becomes law.”

The Private Members Bill, brought forward by Wendy Chamberlain MP, will now proceed to Report Stage where MPs in the House will have another opportunity to consider the Bill. This will then be followed by a debate on the Bill’s Third Reading.