I didn’t know this myself until recently, luckily I only work 2 days a week and my co-workers are very understanding and flexible but I wanted to share in case it helps another parent like me.

As many of you know, my Reilly has complex needs (he’s autistic, has a learning disability, a hole in his heart etc and like so many of us, balancing work and caring can be impossible.

What I didn’t realise is that we actually have a legal right to something called Carer’s Leave. Honestly never heard of it until not long ago. It was introduced in April 2024 in the Carer’s Leave Act.

✔ Up to 1 week unpaid leave per year

✔ You can take it flexibly (days or even half days)

✔ Your employer can’t refuse it (only delay if absolutely necessary)

✔ You don’t need to provide medical evidence

There’s also Parental Leave

• Up to 18 weeks per child (until they’re 18)

• Usually up to 4 weeks per year

• Unpaid

Time off for Dependants – For emergencies like school issues or care falling through.

I know how utterly overwhelming life can be when you’re caring for a child with additional needs. The amount of shifts Shane has lost for hospital appointments, when I’m ill and can’t look after Reilly or when I can’t manage him is ridiculous.