The Government has launched a consultation seeking views on employment rights for unpaid carers and parents of seriously ill children.
Published on 9 June 2026 as part of the Make Work Pay plan, it looks at whether current employment rights are working and what more could be done to help carers stay in and progress at work. This includes reviewing the Carer’s Leave Act 2023, which gives employees the right to up to five days of unpaid leave per year to provide or arrange care for someone with a long-term care need.
The consultation also covers Hugh’s Law, a proposed measure that would give leave and financial support to parents and caregivers after a child is diagnosed with a serious illness. It’s been championed by Ceri and Frances Menai-Davis, whose charity It’s Never You was founded in memory of their son Hugh.
Anyone can respond, and the Government is particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of caring.
The consultation closes on 1 September 2026.
Find out more on GOV.UK or respond to the consultation here.