Care Leave: Who Qualifies and What You Get

Care Leave is a provision that allows employees to take time away from their professional duties to provide necessary care for family members who are ill.

👤Who it's for

This scheme is designed specifically for employees who find themselves in a position where they must care for sick family members. If you are an employee and a relative requires your direct assistance due to illness, you may be eligible to use this leave to balance your work responsibilities with your family's health needs.

🎁What you get

The primary benefit is short-term leave. This is intended to provide you with the time needed to attend to a relative's care without the immediate risk of losing your employment. It acts as a temporary reprieve from your standard working hours so you can focus on the health and wellbeing of your family member during their recovery or period of illness.

💰What it costs you

While you are away from your job, there is a financial impact to consider. In most cases, you will not receive your full income while on leave. Instead, you will usually receive a portion of your pay, typically around 70% of your salary, during the time you are away. You should check your specific employment terms to understand exactly how this will be calculated for your situation.

⚠️The catch to know

The most important thing to keep in mind is that this leave is not unlimited. There is a limit to the specific number of days you are permitted to take per year. Because this is intended for short-term care, you must plan your time carefully to ensure you do not exceed the annual allowance provided for these circumstances.

📝How to apply

1. Speak with your employer as soon as you realize you need to take time off to care for a family member.
2. Discuss the specific duration of the leave you require so your employer can prepare for your absence.
3. Review your employment contract or speak with your HR department to confirm the exact percentage of your salary you will receive during this period.