Your Rights – UK Carers & PA’s

For Unpaid Carers

If you care for a friend or family member without a commercial contract, this section is for you.

The Right to Carer’s Leave

As of April 2024, the Carer’s Leave Act gives employees a “day one” right to take time off to care for a dependant with a long-term care need.

• The Entitlement: You can take up to one week of unpaid leave every 12 months.
• Flexibility: You don’t have to take it all at once; it can be taken as individual days or half-days.
• Protection: Your employer cannot refuse this request (though they can postpone it if business is significantly disrupted), and you are protected from dismissal for using it.

The Carer’s Assessment

This is your statutory right under the Care Act 2014. It is not a test of your caring ability; it is an assessment of your needs. If eligible, your local council can provide support, such as a direct payment for a gym membership (for stress relief), driving lessons, or respite care so you can take a break.

Financial Support (2025/26 Rates)

• Carer’s Allowance: The main benefit for carers. As of April 2025, it pays £83.30 per week if you care for someone for at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain benefits (like PIP or Attendance Allowance). The earnings limit is now £196 per week (after tax/NI). This means you can work approx. 16 hours at the National Living Wage without losing your allowance.
• Carer Support Payment (Scotland): If you live in Scotland, this has replaced Carer’s Allowance. The rate is the same (£83.30/week), but the rules on education are more generous.
• Carer’s Credit: If you earn too much for Carer’s Allowance, apply for Carer’s Credit. It fills gaps in your National Insurance record to protect your future State Pension.

For Personal Assistants (PA’s)

If you are employed directly by an individual (often via Direct Payments) to provide care, you are an employee with specific rights.

Employment Rights & Pay

Unlike unpaid family carers, you are a professional employee. You must have:

• A Written Contract: Outlining your main terms and conditions (required from day one).
• Minimum Wage: As of April 2025, the National Living Wage (for those aged 21+) is £12.21 per hour. If you are 18–20, the minimum is £10.00 per hour.
• Holiday Pay: You are entitled to 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year.
• Pension: If eligible, your employer must enroll you in a workplace pension scheme.

Qualifications & Training

While you don’t always need a specific degree to become a PA, having the right training protects both you and your employer.

• The Care Certificate: This is the industry standard for those new to care, covering privacy, safety, and fluids/nutrition.
• Specialist Tasks: If you are asked to perform medical tasks (e.g., PEG feeding or administering medication), you must be trained and signed off as competent by a professional. You should never attempt these without training.

Insurance

• Employer’s Liability Insurance: Your employer (the person you care for) is legally required to have this. It protects you if you are injured at work.
• Public Liability Insurance: If you are a self-employed PA, you should purchase this yourself. It protects you if you accidentally damage a client’s property or cause injury.

Essential for Everyone

Flexible Working Requests

All employees (PAs and unpaid carers alike) have the right to request flexible working from day one. You can make two requests a year to change your hours or work pattern to better fit your caring responsibilities.

The Blue Badge Scheme

Did you know you can apply for a Blue Badge on behalf of the person you care for? This extends to “hidden disabilities.” If the person you care for experiences overwhelming psychological distress in traffic or open spaces (common in dementia or autism), they may be eligible, making parking significantly easier.

Emergency Planning

Create a contingency plan detailing medication, routines, and key contacts. Check if your local council offers a Carer’s Emergency Card. If you have an accident, emergency services find the card and trigger your plan to ensure the person you care for is safe.

Where to Find More Help

• GOV.UK – Carer’s Allowance: The official portal for checking eligibility and applying.
• mygov.scot – Carer Support Payment: Essential for carers living in Scotland.
• ACAS: Free, impartial advice on flexible working rights and employment disputes.
• Carers UK: The UK’s leading charity for carers, offering a helpline and expert fact sheets.
• Turn2us: An excellent tool for finding charitable grants and checking benefits entitlement.
• Skills for Care: Funding and training resources specifically for Personal Assistants.