Dewis Cymru

The one thing about emergencies is that they usually happen when you are least expecting them. One moment, you’re successfully balancing a career and caring responsibilities – then something happens out of the blue. 

For example:

• you are caring from a distance and the other person has a fall
• the usual care arrangements break down for whatever reason
• the cared-for person uses direct payments and a personal assistant leaves suddenly
• the person you care for goes into hospital
• you need to make arrangements for the person to move into supported living or residential care
• the person you care for dies and you need to plan their funeral

Planning for an emergency

Emergencies can and do happen, and it’s impossible to predict every eventuality. It’s worth thinking about the most likely scenarios, however, and consider what you might do should the worst happen.

Working with your employer

Always tell your employer that you are a carer; in large companies tell the HR department. They will then be in a better position to help you in an emergency.

Emergency leave for dependents

All employees have the right to take unpaid time off work to deal with an emergency or unexpected event involving someone who depends on them.

Your employer must take account of the circumstances and allow you a reasonable amount of time off to deal with them. This is usually a couple of days for each emergency; however, depending on the circumstances, they may agree to longer.

Parental leave

If you are caring for a disabled child under 18 who is receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment, you can request unpaid parental leave (in blocks of one day at a time) if you have been with your employer for over a year. You can take up to four weeks a year (more if your employer agrees).

Special or ‘compassionate’ leave

You have no legal right to special leave but your employer may agree to it, depending on the circumstances. For example, if the person you are caring for is coming out of hospital, or nearing the end of their life.  

Getting support from social services

It often takes an emergency for working carers to realise they need support in their caring role. If the demands of your caring role have increased, you might be finding it difficult to function at work.

Contact the local council and ask to have the cared-for person’s needs assessed or reviewed. You should be offered a carer’s needs assessment at the same time, but if not, ask for one.