Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader welcomes passing of Care Leave Bill

Oldham’s Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE has welcomed news that the Care Leave Bill – introduced to Parliament by the Liberal Democrats – will become law after passing its final stage in Parliament.  

“Millions of people care for loved ones, doing everything from day-to-day physical caring, washing, dressing, and feeding for those who cannot care for themselves, to things like shopping for a housebound elderly relative.  Yet far too many unpaid carers go without proper support and struggle to balance caring responsibilities and work,” said councillor Sykes.  

The Bill will give an estimated 2.4 million carers across the UK a statutory right to take five days of unpaid leave per year, helping carers to better balance work and care.  The Chief Executive of Carers UK Helen Walker called the Bill a “critical step” toward a fairer deal for unpaid carers.   

Councillor Sykes said, “The passing of this Bill is long overdue good news for unpaid carers in our Borough.  A right to five days each year for care is a really positive step in the right direction and recognises the huge responsibilities that unpaid carers take on for the benefit of others.”