As an unpaid carer you have a right to request flexible working, time off in emergencies and parental leave. The Employment Rights Act 1996 gives all employees the right to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off work in order to deal with an emergency involving a dependant. It is at the discretion of the employer, whether or not the time off is paid or unpaid. The introduction of the new Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act means that anyone, including unpaid carers, can ask their employer for changes to their working hours, times of work, or place of work, from day one. You can make two statutory flexible working requests in any 12-month period. Employers are now required to consult with the employee before rejecting any flexible working request. 

To find out more about working and caring take a look at the Carers UK factsheet ‘Your Rights in Work

Young Carers  who are under 18 years of age are entitled to a ‘young carers’ needs assessment’ to decide what kind of help they and the family might need. The assessment must decide whether it is appropriate for the young person to care for someone else, and this includes taking into account whether they want to be a carer. Consideration must be given to education, training, leisure opportunities and the young person’s views about their future.

If you under 16 or looking for support for young carers, you can contact East Sussex Young Carers/IMAGO, which supports Young Carers aged 5-18 who are responsible for caring for a family member with a long term illness or disability, prioritising Young Carers caring for a parent with a mental health or drug and alcohol issue. Telephone: 0300 777 2011 or email:youngcarers@imago.community

If you are looking after someone who is elderly or disabled, the law will protect you from direct discrimination or harassment because of your caring responsibilities. This is because you are counted as being ‘associated’ with someone who is protected by the law because of their age or disability. 

As a carer, you cannot be discriminated against on the basis of your association with a disabled person. An example is when, as a carer, you are refused entry to a venue because you are with someone who is disabled.  Find out more information about protection from discrimination and your rights here.

As an unpaid carer, it is important to know what benefits you and the person you care for are entitled to. It might make a difference to your pension entitlements in the future or bring in extra money to help pay for care. To find out what benefits you may be entitled to call HARC on 01424 428375 or call Carers UK Adviceline on 0808 808 7777. You can also use the online Turn2Us benefits calculator that calculates entitlement to means-tested benefits and carers allowance.

For further information about the Care Act, and for useful fact sheets regarding Carers Rights and benefits see the Carers UK website.

Your GP may not necessarily be aware that you are a carer looking after someone. You have the right to ask your GP to recognise you as a carer on your patient record. This means you could benefit from a free flu jab and other health and wellbeing options. Your medical practice may also offer flexibility with appointment times for yourself and/or the person you care for to accommodate your caring situation, and agree to share information about the condition of the person you care for (with their consent).

If you have not been identified by your local GP as a carer, check their website to see if they have a simple form you can fill out, or give them a call to find out more.

As a carer, you’re entitled to a free flu jab each year if you are aged 65 or over, receive a Carer’s Allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person. Tell your GP or pharmacist that you are a carer and ask your GP to be put on their carers register so that you will be contacted about annual flu jabs. Find out further information here: www.nhs.uk/flu-vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine offer is open to eligible people seasonally and all year round to those newly diagnosed as immunosuppressed or at high risk. You can book at an appointment or use a walk-in session near you. People can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if they…

• are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31st January 2026)
• are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• live in a care home for older adults

Walk in sessions in East Sussex can be found here – Vaccinations (scroll down to East Sussex list). New dates and locations are being added throughout the autumn and winter.
To book a vaccination using on-line system visit Book a coronavirus vaccination – NHS

When the person you care for is coming out of hospital, you have a right to be consulted on the hospital discharge process. The hospital must identify you as their carer and your views should be considered wherever possible. More information about coming out of hospital, discharge procedures and assessments is available from Carers UK.

We are here to help all carers in East Sussex. If you would like to understand and know more about your rights as a carer with guidance through the health and social care system, or help to find out any other information that can support you in your caring role, please contact us.

You can have your voice heard and taken into consideration by Adult Social Care when deciding how best to meet the needs of the person you care for. Having the right information at the right time can make a huge difference. Care for the Carers can suggest what to consider for gathering together the right information in advance, for when you might need it, as well as how to access timely information. East Sussex County Council’s information booklet ‘Do you look after someone?’ describes the help available through its commissioned services if you look after an adult in an unpaid caring role. Care for the Carers can also signpost you and make a referral to various organisations that can support you as an unpaid carer.

Please contact us if you would like to talk things through, or would like support.