A Scottish Liberal Democrat MP's bill which gives carers a legal right to unpaid leave is to become law.
Wendy Chamberlain’s Carer’s Leave Bill passed its final stage in the House of Lords on Friday.
The legislation will come into effect next year and give unpaid carers a legal right to take additional leave from work.
It will give an estimated 2.4 million carers across the UK a statutory right to take five days of unpaid leave per year.
Charity Carer’s UK have described this as a "landmark" piece of legislation which would help carers to better balance work and care.
Chamberlain, who represents North East Fife, met with carers and carers’ organisations in her North East Fife constituency and across the country while she was leading the legislation through parliament.
She also discussed the measures with companies which already have a similar policy in place to hear about the benefits of Carer’s Leave to businesses in reduced recruitment costs, and improved retention and wellbeing of staff.
The MP introduced the Carer’s Leave Bill last June after winning a place in the Private Member’s Bill lottery. The measures are set to come into effect next year.
Chamberlain said: “I am over the moon to see my Carer’s Leave Bill pass its final hurdle. It will become law and take effect next year, with millions of unpaid carers across the country gaining a new employment right for the first time.
“I want to thank all the carers and carers’ organisations that I met with over the last year. I’m hugely grateful that they took the time to share their experiences of balancing work and care with me. It has been a long road to get to this day, but it has come because of their tireless campaign.
“Next year, because of this law, unpaid carers will become entitled for the first time to take additional unpaid leave from work to help balance caring responsibilities. It is a huge step forward and I feel deeply privileged to have had a role in making it happen.
“I hope that this law will kickstart a transformation in the recognition and support of carers in the workplace. Carers are the backbone of our society. They deserve thanks and so much more. They deserve every opportunity to thrive and I believe my Carer’s Leave Bill will be a first step to doing that.”
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