“That the promised Employment Bill has been excluded from the Government’s commitments for the next year is a severe blow for unpaid carers. It’s a huge missed opportunity.

“The Government had been very keen to stress the introduction of a right to Carer’s Leave as support for unpaid carers, as an important part of its delivery of social care reform, hospital discharge and staying in work; – essential, given the pressures on families as the cost of living crisis deepens.  It feels like Government is backtracking on their manifesto promises to carers.

“This is such a missed opportunity to value carers and to ensure that they had the support to continue to juggle work and care.  Employers from Carers UK’s employer led forum, Employers for Carers, have found positive business benefits from introducing Carer’s Leave. 

“With severe social care shortages and pressures on the NHS, families simply can’t do it all. Many are at breaking point. This is precisely the time when Government really should be investing in carers and their families as well as employers by bringing in the right to up to one week’s unpaid Carer’s Leave and a day one right to request flexible working.”