Time off for carers

[Buxton1998]

just wondering if anyone knows if we have a law in the UK as to whether a carer of a T1 diabetic is entitled to time off by an employer to take the diabetic for appointments. I think in the USA this is law.

 

[ally1]

I too think it's up to whether your I employer allows you time off. I have a tpe1 friend and she has to take unpaid time off or holiday

 

[noblehead]

Not sure of the answer, but you could try contacting the Diabetes UK Advocacy Service as they might be able to answer your question @Buxton1998:

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/how_we_help/advocacy/

 

[Buxton1998]

Thankyou, it's just I read an article on rights but it was American. My other half has always been a allowed time if needed, but this time he's been told he must take it as holiday.

 

[catapillar]

Is your husband attending appointments with you as your carer or just as your lovely supportive husband? The carers trust defines a carer as someone, unpaid, looking after a family member who, due to disability, cannot cope without their support.

Carers are protected under the Equality Act. But I think they only have the right to ask for flexible working i.e. unpaid leave, so probably not that much more helpful than taking holiday for the purpose of attending appointments.

I have a feeling @ladybird64 might be more informed on carers rights.