Context
The question addresses the issue of kinship carers, who are close family members looking after children unable to live with their parents. A national kinship care strategy was published in December.
Question
If she will make an assessment with the Secretary of State for Education on the potential merits of introducing a right to paid employment leave for kinship carers. The Minister just referenced the Government's kinship strategy, which recognised that 45% of kinship carers give up work and a similar number reduce their hours permanently due to caring responsibilities.
Answer from Kevin Hollinrake
The hon. Lady raises a very important point. We call on local authorities to be considerate to people who are in employment when they take on a child to look after in a kinship care situation. Companies such as John Lewis provide a considerate approach, and we urge others to do the same. Local authorities also have budgets allocated for this issue.
Not addressed: Making paid employment leave a statutory right instead of only publishing guidance
How: We Call On Local Authorities, Encourage Local Authorities
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