Carers rights

Introduction to the Carers Act

Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 (legislation.gov.uk)

The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016 took effect in April 2018. The Act extends and enhances the rights of carers in Scotland to help improve their health and wellbeing so they can continue to care, if they so wish, and have a life alongside caring

Carers rights are discussed fully in the Carers Charter.

As a carer you have the right to:

Access local information and advice
Support to complete an ACSP
To access support if your needs meet eligibility criteria for Carers in East Lothian
To be involved in care planning for the person you care for
To be involved in the hospital discharge process
To be involved in the planning of any carer services

Further information on the Carers Act

Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP) have produced three leaflets for carers explaining what the implementation of the Carers Act 2016 means for carers, and the new rights that they are now entitled to under the Act.

The leaflets are available in English, Chinese and Urdu.

Further information about their services can be found on the MECCOP website.

Carers and Employment

Around 270,000 people in Scotland juggle paid employment with unpaid care. This is 1 in 7 of the working age population and represents one in 10 of those currently in employment.

Having the opportunity to work is an important part of life, and one that most of us take for granted. In addition to providing financial stability, it is recognised that employment brings wider benefits in terms of a fulfilling career, positive mental health and social interaction.

According to a recent survey 32% of carers of working age have given up work to care and 27% have had to reduce their working hours.

The Carers Leave Act recognises carers contribution and provides them with access to limited leave so they can better balance their caring responsibilities, it brings essential employment rights to unpaid carers in Scotland and is summarised below:

Eligibility: The act covers employees who have unpaid caring responsibilities.
Leave Entitlement: Eligible employees are entitled to up to 5 days of unpaid leave per year. This leave can be taken flexibly, either in half or full days, to accommodate planned and foreseen caring commitments.
Purpose: The leave is specifically for those providing or arranging care for someone with a long-term care need.

The Carer’s Leave Regulations 2024 (legislation.gov.uk)

Carers rights and support - what to expect

The Coalition of Carers in Scotland provide a range of informative guides available to download as a PDF.

Next page Adult carer support plans