Question about the Work and Families Act 2006

Frequently asked questions

The Work and Families Act gives carers new rights at work. We answer some of the basic questions carers have about their new rights.

Q - Why has Carers UK been campaigning for this Act?

1 in 5 carers give up work to care and this can lead to poverty and isolation. That's why Carers UK's make WORK work campaign has been calling for this change in the law.

This new right to request flexibile working could change carers' lives - making the difference between giving up work and staying in work. 2.65 million carers could take advantage of this new right. Over a few years, milliions of carers could benefit.

Q - What does the new Work and Families Act 2006 say about carers?

The new Act gives carers the right to request flexible working.  Parents of children under six and disabled children under 18 already have this right - now carers join them.  The new right is applied from April 2007. 

Q - What exactly is 'flexible working'?

This could be anything from altering your arrival and leaving times, to having access to a phone, or getting emergency paid leave. It might make your life a lot easier to work long days on Monday and Tuesday, and then do a half day on Friday. Put this in writing to your employer.  They may suggest an alternative arrangement - this should work as a dialogue so you can work out something that suits both of you.  You can find out more about flexible working on our information pages more...

Q - Won't my boss just say no if I request more flexibility?

Your employer still has the right to say no, but they must demonstrate clearly why they are refusing your request. Parents of disabled children have had the right for a couple of years now and their experience shows that the majority (about 80%) of requests are granted.

Q - I care for an elderly neighbour. My employer is happy to help colleagues who care for their husbands and wives but says I'm not a proper carer because my neighbour and I are not related. Will that change now?
 
Unfortunately, carers looking after a neighbour who isn't related to them won't be eligible for the new right. In November 2006 the Government published the final version of the Regulations which describe who is a carer under the Act. The definition of carer will be someone who cares for, or expects to care for,

• an adult who they are married to, or who is their partner or civil partner;
• someone who is a close relative (including parent, parent-in-law, child, siblings, unclues, aunts, grandparents and step-relatives);
• or someone who falls into neither category but lives at the same address as the carer.

However, Carers UK hopes that employers will take this opportunity to extend their flexible working policies to cover all carers.

Carers UK can help your business

Carers UK has over six years experience of helping companies develop flexible working for their employees with caring responsibilities. Find out how we can help your business more...