Employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children

The government has published a consultation looking at the employment rights of unpaid carers and the parents of seriously ill children. They are seeking views on:

• the information and guidance that is available to support unpaid carers
• the potential need for further support
• what forms of support would be helpful for both unpaid carers and parents with a seriously ill child

This includes consideration of whether there should be paid leave entitlement and right to return (analogous to maternity leave) for the parents of seriously ill children.

Respond to the consultation by 1 September 2026.