Our Top 10 Rights for family carers

You have the right to “choose” to be a family carer.

It is illegal to coerce or force someone to be a family carer, or to demand they do certain tasks and hours. If you choose to be a family carer you have the right to say what you are willing and able to do for the person you care for, and to be supported in that choice. You have the right to decide if you wish to make changes to your caring role at any time. Responsibility for the care and support of any adult you care for lies with the Local Authority not you!

If caring for an adult you have the right to a carers assessment.

A Carers Assessment is a conversation which helps to work out what help you may need to support you in your role as a unpaid family carer. The assessment/conversation is a chance for you to discuss how your caring responsibilities affect you. You can also complete an online carer supported self-assessment via SCC’s website.

You have the right to request flexible working.

Juggling work and caring can be challenging and many are affected by poor wellbeing and stress. The passing of The Employment relations (flexible working) act 2023 means every family carer has the right to ask for flexible working, from day 1 of employment

You have the right to unpaid carers leave

The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 came into force during 2024. As a result every family carer has the right to ask for Unpaid Carer’s Leave from their employer. This is a flexible entitlement to one week’s unpaid leave per year, to be provided to all employees who are providing or arranging care for a relative or dependant. This must be offered by every employer in the UK.

You have the right to be protected from discrimination

If you are caring for an older or disabled person you are “associated” with them under the Equality Act 2010. This protects you against direct discrimination or harassment because of your caring role. Carers UK provide more information.

You have the right to be included in hospital discharge planning

If the person you care for is being discharged from hospital that hospital must identify and consult with you, if possible. As their carer you know the person you care for better than anyone so it is only right you are involved in consultations and hospital discharge. For more details see Carers UK useful information on coming out of hospital.

Parent carers have the right to a parent carers needs assessment

A practitioner can discuss your needs in your caring role, how it affects your wellbeing, your feelings, your choices about caring, and what help you need to support you as a carer of a child or young person. The practitioner will then work collaboratively with you to develop a plan around your needs.

If you are under 18 you have the right to a Young carers needs assessment

It does not matter who you care for, how much care you provide or what kind of care you provide help is available. Together with an Advisor you will be helped to identify your needs, wishes and aspirations and develop a plan of support that puts you at the centre.

You have the right to a free flu jab

If you are the main carer for someone who would be unable to manage without you, and may be at risk if you became ill, you are eligible for a free flu jab. You are also eligible if you’re receiving Carer’s Allowance.

Current or ex service personnel ?

If you are a member of the armed forces, a veteran, or a family member, the Armed Forces Covenant offers a wide variety of support to ensure you are treated fairly. This extends to those in caring roles. Suffolk Family Carers as has dedicated support for family carers that are, or have been part of a military family.