On 6 April 2024 the Carer’s Leave Act came into force which gives employees a statutory right to take unpaid carer’s leave. This applies from day one of their employment.
Employees can take up to one week’s leave every twelve months. For example, someone working four days a week can take four days leave in a single block or as individual days or half days throughout the year.
A dependent does not necessarily have to be someone in your immediate family but can include anyone who relies on the employee for their long-term care needs.
Detailed guidance can be found on the ACAS website.