Carers Rights Day – 21st November 2024
This year, Carers Rights Day is on Thursday 21 November 2024 – and this year’s theme is Recognising your Rights.
Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or a friend – many of whom don’t see themselves as carers, often unaware of their legal rights and what they’re entitled to in terms of support and benefits. This year’s theme is ‘recognising your rights’ – and our aim is to help carers recognise and understand their rights, and to access the support available to them, whenever they need it.
As a carer, knowing your rights empowers you with information about what you’re entitled to. This helps you feel confident asking for what you need, as well as challenging things when your rights are not being met – whether that be in the workplace or education, in accessing health or social care, or when interacting with other professionals or at home
Purpose
Carers Rights Day aims to:
- Raise awareness of the rights of the UK’s 5.7 million unpaid carers.
- Help carers get the support and recognition they deserve.
- Empower carers with information about their entitlements.
Key Rights for Carers
- Unpaid Carer’s Leave: The right to take time off work to care for a dependent.
- Flexible Working: The right to request flexible working arrangements.
- Carer Identification: The right to ask your GP practice to identify you as a carer.
- Free Flu Jab: The right to request a free flu vaccination.
- Protection Against Discrimination: Rights to protection from discrimination or harassment due to caring responsibilities.
- Carer’s Assessment: The right to request an assessment of your needs as a carer.
- Campaign Goals
Carers UK and other organisations are working towards:
- Greater recognition and support for carers.
- Fairer social security systems to support carers.
- Better workplace support, including paid time off for caring responsibilities.
- Improved access to quality and affordable social care