Carer’s Leave Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to set out the Carer’s Leave options within Wilson Vale Catering’s process in relation with the relevant legislation. This policy sets out Wilson Vale Catering’s approach to supporting employees with caring responsibilities to take time off from work to focus on the person (or people) they care for. Carer’s leave entitlement will be as important as all other time off employees currently get. For example, maternity leave, shared parental leave, annual leave, and time off for dependants.

This policy does not form part of an employee’s contract of employment and Wilson Vale Catering may amend this policy at any time.

Introduction

This policy applies to all Wilson Vale Catering employees at all levels providing the following:

Carer’s leave will be a day one right for all employees, meaning there is no minimum amount of service required before employees can request it.

Eligible employees can take up to one week of unpaid leave per year. The unpaid leave can be taken flexibly, either in individual or half-days, up to a block of one week. An employee is entitled to a period of leave that is equal to their usual working week. For example, if someone works 3 days a week, they can take 3 days of carer's leave.

Eligibility

Employees must be unpaid carers, and the person they provide the care to, must be someone with a long-term care need. For example, a person with a long-term illness or injury covered as a disability under the Equality Act, or issues relating to old age and a terminal illness.

The relationship between the employee and this person will follow what is already in place for the right to time off for dependants. Namely, a spouse or civil partner; child; parent; person who lives in the same household (but is not a tenant, lodger, or boarder); or a person who relies on them for care (i.e. an elderly neighbour).

Requesting Carers Leave

The employee would need to put their request in writing, to their manager that they would like to request carers leave with at least 21 days’ notice. It must include the date(s) of the request.

After submitting a request for carers leave, the Manager will review the staffing levels to ensure there are enough people in place to cover those who go off on carer’s leave. The Manager will then confirm if it has been authorised. This will be tracked on the Thyme portal.