The Carer’s Leave Bill, a Private Member’s Bill brought forward by Wendy Chamberlain MP, has successfully passed Committee Stage in the House of Lords today. The Bill has cross-party support from Peers, including the Government. 

If successful, the Bill will give millions of employees across Great Britain a landmark new right to take up to five days off work as unpaid Carer’s Leave.

Passing the Committee Stage in the House of Lords is another important step forward for the Bill, which passed all stages in the House of Commons earlier this year.

Lord Fox, supporting the Carer’s Leave Bill said:

"It has been an honour championing this Bill in the Lords, not least because it gave me the opportunity to meet with carers whose stories are so inspiring. Thanks to Wendy Chamberlain MP’s great initiative and the support we got in the Lords the lives of carers across the UK will be made that bit easier.

“Sitting on the opposition benches there are few opportunities to get something into law but sometimes the stars align, and you are able to participate in something important. We now happily await the Third Reading of the Bill in May before it reaches the statute book."

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

“We are delighted that the Bill has passed Committee Stage, which is another step closer to the Bill becoming law.

“It is important that unpaid carers are supported to juggle work with their caring role, and we look forward to the Bill going through its final paces.”

Carers UK will continue to update briefings and detail on the Bill as it completes its final stages.

Source: Carers UK