Do employers have to pay employees while they are on statutory carer's leave?

No, carer's leave is unpaid. This means that sums payable by way of wages or salary cease during an employee's carer's leave.

However, all other terms and conditions of employment should remain in place, including the accrual of annual leave.

There is nothing to stop employers from enhancing carer's leave, for example by continuing to pay employees their normal wages or salary. Paid carer's leave can be a valuable tool for employers that are seeking to support carers within their workforce.

The statutory right to carer's leave is in force from 6 April 2024.