Carer’s Leave (Protection) Bill - Third Reading of the entire bill

Ms Wendy Chamberlain argues that her Bill will provide support to carers who have had to give up work due to their caring responsibilities. She highlights the impact of long-term illnesses, such as multiple sclerosis, on working individuals and emphasises the need for statutory employment rights to ensure consistent treatment by employers. She notes the importance of flexible leave provisions, ease of administration, and protection from dismissal or detriment for employees taking carer’s leave.

Danny Kruger supports the Carer's Leave Bill, highlighting the importance of unpaid carers and advocating for smoother support processes. He commends employers who offer flexible working conditions to their staff with caring responsibilities. Kruger emphasises that the right to carer’s leave should be a day-one employment benefit, which he believes will help address recruitment challenges in the tight labour market. He also notes the need for careful drafting of regulations regarding the length of carer’s leave and expresses concern over welfare system inefficiencies.

Sunderland commends the Bill, highlighting its importance in providing unpaid leave for employees to care for dependants with long-term needs. He mentions that the Bill will complement existing protections like maternity and paternity leave, offering employment protection against dismissal or detriment. Sunderland also notes that Bracknell Forest has a significant number of residents who provide unpaid care, emphasising the necessity of such provisions. However, he suggests adding flexibility to handle unforeseen events without prior notice. He believes this support can encourage carers back into the workplace and potentially address job vacancies.

Benton supports the Bill, noting its relevance in supporting carers who face challenges balancing work with caring responsibilities. He highlights that more than 16,000 people in Blackpool provide unpaid care to others. The Bill would allow carers to take time off for unforeseen circumstances without reimbursement, benefiting both employees and employers. Benton suggests the need for measures to prevent potential abuse of leave by employees. Despite concerns about additional costs to businesses, particularly small ones, he endorses the Government's commitment to advancing workers' rights.

The speaker supports the Bill, highlighting its importance for those who balance work and caring responsibilities. She discusses the range of disabilities that qualify under the Equality Act 2010, which could be surprising to many carers. Richardson shares personal experience as a mother of a child with special educational needs, emphasising the need for better support systems for young people struggling with mental health illnesses. Additionally, she appreciates the Bill's recognition of care beyond family and into community settings, citing her previous volunteer work supporting elderly individuals. She concludes by stating that the Bill builds on commitments made in 2019 to extend carer’s leave entitlement.

The speaker welcomes the introduction of the Bill and acknowledges its importance for unpaid carers. He emphasises that balancing caring responsibilities with work can limit participation in the labour market, citing Carers UK statistics which indicate an average of 600 people per day leaving work to care. Wild also highlights the impact on household finances and mental health, advocating for measures that support unpaid carers remaining in employment. He supports the Bill as a step towards addressing long-standing issues identified by the Select Committee on Work and Pensions. Additionally, he cites local charity endorsements of the Bill's benefits, including improved retention and recruitment opportunities for employers.

Pays tribute to the hon. Member for North East Fife and supports the Bill, which would positively impact approximately 4.2 million unpaid carers in Great Britain. Emphasises that unpaid carers saved the state £135 billion at the beginning of the pandemic, highlighting its significant economic benefit. Acknowledges personal stories from MPs who have experienced or witnessed caring responsibilities and stresses the importance of ensuring people are not penalised for taking time off to help loved ones. Points out that both the 2017 and 2019 Conservative manifestos included a commitment on entitlement to unpaid leave for carers, and commends the hon. Member for North East Fife for bringing this Bill forward. Raises concerns about potential costs imposed on businesses but acknowledges these are minor compared to the benefits. Concludes that the Bill is compassionate and well-intentioned.

Mohindra supports the Bill, arguing that family care typically results in better health outcomes compared to professional carers. He discusses how employers benefit from loyal and committed employees who take on caring responsibilities and mentions Carers UK statistics indicating that 600 people leave work daily due to caregiving needs. Mohindra also cites a local constituent's personal story, highlighting the necessity of supporting unpaid carers through statutory leave provisions.

Hussain congratulates Wendy Chamberlain on her work and supports the Bill. He emphasises that millions of unpaid carers face significant challenges with no statutory right to take leave, despite easing burdens on the NHS. Hussain notes that while the Bill is a positive step, Labour aims to introduce paid carer's leave in future legislation.

The amendment introduces a day-one right for unpaid carers to take one week of leave annually. This measure aims to support those providing care while remaining in employment, improving their quality of life and the wellbeing of individuals relying on them. It also addresses issues such as notice periods and ensures that employers have adequate time to prepare for these absences.

Supports the Bill's aim of providing carers with a day-one right to take leave and encourages employers to adopt supportive practices. She highlights the importance of acknowledging carers' contributions and ensuring they can bring their full selves to work without fear of repercussions.