Carer’s leave is a form of leave that can be taken by an employee to care for someone else. It is not the same as child carer’s leave, which is paid leave specifically provided for people who are caring for children. A carer is someone who provides personal care or assistance to another person (known as a ‘primary care recipient’) who has a disability, illness or injury that limits their capacity to perform self-care activities (e.g., eating, dressing). If you want to know more, you better call Australian Unions for carers leave,
Carer’s leave can be taken for up to five days per year for each primary care recipient for whom the employee provides care. The total amount of time a carer may take off work in any given year is limited to 100 hours (this includes any time taken under the annual leave provisions).
Carer’s leave is available in all Australian states and territories except South Australia. Who Can Take Carer’s Leave?
A person can take carer’s leave if they:
- have responsibility for the care, welfare or development of another person (this includes your spouse or partner, child or adult dependent)
- are providing care for at least 40 hours per week for at least two consecutive weeks
- are not able to provide this care due to family responsibilities, illness or injury (but only if you have provided care within the previous 13 weeks)
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What is the purpose of carer’s leave?
The purpose of carer’s leave is to give employees some time off to care for a family member who is sick or has a disability. The law states that employers must give their employees up to two days of carer’s leave per year, although they don’t have to pay them while they’re on that leave.
Why do employers need to provide carer’s leave?
Carer’s leave is an important benefit that helps employees balance their work and home lives. It helps families cope with illness or disability without putting undue stress on them. Employees may need time off work so they can visit their sick family member in hospital or take them to medical appointments, for example, and this time away from work can make it easier for them to look after their loved ones.
In addition, businesses benefit from providing carer’s leave because it encourages loyalty among staff members who may feel more connected to their employer when they receive benefits like this one.
Indefinite unpaid carer’s leave
Unpaid carer’s leave can be taken as either full-time or part-time work over a period of six months up to a maximum of 12 months. Carer’s leave can be extended beyond the 12-month period if your circumstances still require you to take time off work. If you want to extend your carer’s leave you must provide medical evidence that demonstrates why you need more time off work. You may also be required by your employer to provide an independent medical report confirming the nature of your illness and its impact on your ability to work during this period of extended carer’s leave.
