Standing Up For Carers

Fife Carers Centre 30th Anniversary Celebration

Carers are an essential part of our society, with over 5.8 million people across the UK supporting an ill, older, or disabled family member or friend. Their unpaid caring work contributes an estimated £162 billion to the economy each year, yet carers remain profoundly undervalued and too often go unrecognised. Here in North East Fife, we are fortunate to have outstanding organisations such as Fife Carers Centre, which recently celebrated their 30th anniversary, providing vital support and advocacy for local carers.

Balancing work and caring responsibilities is a significant challenge. It’s now been two years since my Private Members’ Bill, the Carer’s Leave Act, received Royal Assent, and just over a year since the necessary regulations came into force. The aim of the Act was to make it easier for carers to manage their employment alongside their caring duties by introducing a right to unpaid leave. While I hope this is just the beginning, with ambitions to see this leave extended, made paid, and increased in duration, it is a meaningful step forward. But passing a law is only the beginning. We still have a long way to go to ensure both employers and employees are aware of these new rights, and that carers feel empowered to make use of them.

Research from Carers UK has shown that many employers are unaware of the legislation, and that a significant number of carers are hesitant to request time off for fear of a negative reaction. This highlights the need for greater awareness and stronger support from businesses to create a culture where carers feel understood and respected.

Just a few weeks ago, I led a debate in Parliament to raise these issues. I was heartened by the Shadow Minister for Business and Trade’s support for paid carer’s leave and encouraged by the Minister for Employment Rights’ confirmation that a cross-ministerial working group on unpaid carers has now been established. I hope this signals progress towards a comprehensive unpaid carers strategy.

I was also pleased to support our Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, on the release of his book Why I Care: And Why Care Matters which draws from his personal experiences as a lifelong carer to advocate for unpaid carers across the UK.

Carers Week, taking place from 9–15 June, is a national campaign that recognises and celebrates the contribution of unpaid carers. This year’s theme, “Caring About Equality,” sheds light on the inequalities carers face, from financial strain to social isolation and mental health challenges. As part of Carers Week, I look forward to visiting local organisations across the constituency, including attending the Carers Week Conference organised by Fife Carers Centre, to continue championing the rights and recognition that carers deserve.