With around 12,000 people becoming caregivers for a loved one, lots of caregivers are unaware of their legal rights and what support they’re entitled to. There is even a Carers Rights Day, which aims to highlight the key role caregivers have and showcase what legal rights they have due to them being a caregiver.

What rights to caregivers have?

The right to request a Carer’s Assessment

Caregivers can request a Carer’s Assessment from Adult Social Care Direct. A Carer’s assessment is a details discussion which produces a written statement of your needs, what you can do to reduce them or prevent them from getting worse. If caring is having a significant impact on your wellbeing, the assessment may tell you that you are entitled to publicly funded support.

Learn more about Carer’s Assessments on Gateshead Council’s website.

The right to have unpaid Carer’s Leave

Caregivers who are juggling caring responsibilities and work have a legal right to take up to five days unpaid leave per annum. This is thanks to the implementation of the Carer’s Leave Act in 2024, helping caregivers to stay in employment.

For more information on Carer’s Leave visit the Carers UK website.

The right to request flexible working

Caregivers in employment have the right to request flexible working. This means that they can ask for changes to their working hours, times of work, or place of work, from day one. Furthermore, changes in flexible working arrangement more than once a year, which can be a big help as your caring role changes over time.

For more information on flexible working, visit the GOV.UK website.

The right to ask your GP to identify you as an unpaid carer

Your GP surgery can offer you a lot of support. Caregivers have the right to ask their GP practice to identify you an as unpaid carer on your patient record. By doing so, you may be added to a priority group for vaccinations or Public Health campaigns. Your GP may be able to let you know about available support or services in the local area.

For more information on talking to your GP, visit the Carers UK website.

The right (and choice) to request a free flu jab

Often caregivers will prioritise the health of the person they care for over their own. It is vital for caregivers to maintain good health and so to help with this, caregivers have the right to request a free flu jab should the choose to have one.

Speak to your GP or local pharmacist to learn more.

Protection against discrimination or harassment

People providing unpaid care for loved over are protected, by law (Equality Act 2010), against direct discrimination or harassment because of their caring role and responsibilities. Caregivers may also be protected under other laws, including sex, religious beliefs and disability.

Learn more about the different forms of discrimination caregivers can face on the Carers UK website.

Being consulted when the person you care for is discharged from hospital

If you are a caregiver and the person you care for is being discharged from hospital, you have a legal right to be consulted in the discharge plans. To help make the planning work as best as it can, be sure to notify the hospital at the earliest possible stage that you are the carer or plan to care to help the person once they are discharged from hospital.