The UK government is proposing new rights for unpaid carers to return to work after leaving jobs to care for ill relatives, mirroring maternity leave protections. Paid leave and a formal 'right to return' are under consideration in a new consultation by the Department for Business and Trade.

These proposals aim to support roughly 3 million unpaid carers in the UK who often cut hours, delay returning to work, or leave employment entirely. The Department estimates the cost of reduced workforce participation due to caring at £37bn annually as the population ages and ill health rises.

Current legislation grants one week of unpaid leave, while Labour's broader worker reforms include flexible working rights. However, campaigners note many carers cannot afford unpaid leave and face debt issues from means-tested allowance overpayments. Helen Walker of Carers UK said nearly half of working carers might reduce hours or quit without paid leave options.