Find out about your rights at work, taking time off and protection against discrimination.

Discrimination

If you care for someone who is elderly or disabled, you are protected under the Equality Act 2010 against discrimination.

This law applies to discrimination and harassment if they happen in your workplace. You’ll also be protect when you:

  • shop for goods
  • ask for services
  • get services
  • use facilities like public transport

If you think you have been discriminated against or harassed because of your duties as a carer, you can speak to Speak to Citizens Advice Sutton. They will be able to talk to you about your rights and what you can do next.

If you think you’re being discriminated against at work because of your caring responsibilities, contact Carers UK Advice Service or the ACAS Helpline for free and confidential employment advice.

Support at work

If you have a job and care for someone, you can talk to your employer to see what support they can offer you. 

You don’t have to tell your employer about your caring responsibilities, but you might find that if you do tell them, they can help you balance work and caring. 

You can find out what support and policies your employer has in place by checking your employment contract, staff handbook or workplace intranet. You could also speak to your manager, your Human Resources department or a trade union representative. 

Flexible working

As a carer you can request flexible working arrangements from your employer. Flexible working is a way of working that suits an employee’s needs, for example having flexible start and finish times, or working from home.

You can find out about Flexible working on GOV.UK.

Parental leave

If you have worked for the same employer for 12 months and you’re responsible for a child aged under 18, you are entitled to 18 weeks’ leave per child.

This time off is usually unpaid.

Time off work in emergencies

You have the right to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off work to deal with an emergency or an unforeseen matter involving someone you care for. This could be your partner, child or parent, or someone living with you as part of your family. 

This time off is usually unpaid.