Carers Rights Day: Shining a Light on Hidden Rights for UK Carers
November 11, 2025
0 min read
Every year, Carers Rights Day serves as a vital reminder of the invaluable role unpaid carers play across the UK. With over 5 million people providing unpaid care for family or friends (including 1 in 7 employees now juggling work with their caregiving responsibilities), it’s essential that carers know their rights—not just the obvious ones, but also those that often go unnoticed. This year, let’s spotlight some of the rights and entitlements that carers might not be aware of, ensuring everyone caring for a loved one is empowered and supported.
Understanding Carers Rights
Carers Rights Day, celebrated on 20th November this year and championed by Carers UK, is about raising awareness of carers’ legal rights and the support available to them. Whether you’re new to caring or have been supporting someone for years, understanding your rights can make a significant difference to your wellbeing and financial security.
1. The Right to a Carer’s Assessment
One of the most important, yet often overlooked, rights is the entitlement to a free carer’s assessment from your local council. This assessment is not about judging your ability to care, but about identifying your needs as a carer. It can lead to practical support, such as respite care, equipment, or help with household tasks. Crucially, you are entitled to this assessment regardless of the amount or type of care you provide, or your financial situation.
2. Free Flu Jabs for Carers
Carers are eligible for a free NHS flu jab each year. This is to help protect both you and the person you care for from the potentially serious effects of flu. You can request your free flu vaccination at your GP surgery or a participating pharmacy—just let them know you are a carer. This right is often overlooked, but it’s a simple way to safeguard your own health and that of your loved one.
3. Flexible Working Rights
Many carers juggle employment alongside their caring responsibilities. UK law gives all employees the right to request flexible working, which can include changes to working hours, patterns, or location. Employers must consider your request reasonably, and while they can refuse on business grounds, they must provide a valid reason.
4. Protection from Discrimination
Carers are protected under the Equality Act 2010 from discrimination because of their association with a disabled person. This means employers, service providers, and public bodies cannot treat you unfairly because of your caring role.
5. The Right to Request Remote GP Appointments
If you’re struggling to attend in-person medical appointments due to your caring responsibilities, you can request remote consultations with your GP. While not a legal right, NHS England encourages practices to offer flexibility for carers, recognising the challenges they face.
6. Access to Carer’s Allowance and Other Benefits
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers, but many miss out because they’re unaware of the eligibility criteria. If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain disability benefits, you may be entitled to £81.90 per week (2025 rate). Even if you don’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you might be eligible for Carer’s Credit, which helps protect your State Pension rights.
7. Support in Education and Training
If you’re a carer in education, you may be entitled to additional support, such as bursaries, grants, or flexible study arrangements. Many universities and colleges have dedicated carers’ support services, and you can request reasonable adjustments to help balance your studies and caring role.
8. The Right to Be Involved in Hospital Discharge
If the person you care for is admitted to hospital, you have the right to be involved in discharge planning. Hospitals must consult with carers to ensure a safe and supported transition home, including arranging any necessary equipment or care packages.
9. Access to Information and Advocacy
Carers have the right to clear information about the condition of the person they care for, as well as available services and support. If you feel your voice isn’t being heard, you can access independent advocacy services to help you navigate complex systems and ensure your rights are respected.
Why Knowing Your Rights Matters
Too often, carers put their own needs last, focusing entirely on the person they support. But understanding and exercising your rights is not selfish—it’s essential. Accessing support can prevent burnout, improve your quality of life, and help you continue caring for longer.
Where to Find Help
• Carers UK offers a wealth of information and a helpline for advice on your rights and entitlements (Carers UK - Your Rights as a Carer).
• Mobilise provides practical tips and a supportive online community for carers (Mobilise - Carers Rights).
• Your local council and NHS services can also offer guidance and assessments.
Final Thoughts
Carers Rights Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action. If you’re a carer, take time today to check your rights, reach out for support, and share this information with others. You are not alone, and you deserve recognition, respect, and support for all you do.
If you are looking for ways to support your employees who are also carers, or would like to understand how ApiaryLife might be able to provide support for your organisation, then please get in touch.
Carers Rights Day, celebrated on 20th November this year and championed by Carers UK, is about raising awareness of carers’ legal rights and the support available to them. Whether you’re new to caring or have been supporting someone for years, understanding your rights can make a significant difference to your wellbeing and financial security.
1. The Right to a Carer’s Assessment
One of the most important, yet often overlooked, rights is the entitlement to a free carer’s assessment from your local council. This assessment is not about judging your ability to care, but about identifying your needs as a carer. It can lead to practical support, such as respite care, equipment, or help with household tasks. Crucially, you are entitled to this assessment regardless of the amount or type of care you provide, or your financial situation.
2. Free Flu Jabs for Carers
Carers are eligible for a free NHS flu jab each year. This is to help protect both you and the person you care for from the potentially serious effects of flu. You can request your free flu vaccination at your GP surgery or a participating pharmacy—just let them know you are a carer. This right is often overlooked, but it’s a simple way to safeguard your own health and that of your loved one.
3. Flexible Working Rights
Many carers juggle employment alongside their caring responsibilities. UK law gives all employees the right to request flexible working, which can include changes to working hours, patterns, or location. Employers must consider your request reasonably, and while they can refuse on business grounds, they must provide a valid reason.
4. Protection from Discrimination
Carers are protected under the Equality Act 2010 from discrimination because of their association with a disabled person. This means employers, service providers, and public bodies cannot treat you unfairly because of your caring role.
5. The Right to Request Remote GP Appointments
If you’re struggling to attend in-person medical appointments due to your caring responsibilities, you can request remote consultations with your GP. While not a legal right, NHS England encourages practices to offer flexibility for carers, recognising the challenges they face.
6. Access to Carer’s Allowance and Other Benefits
Carer’s Allowance is the main benefit for carers, but many miss out because they’re unaware of the eligibility criteria. If you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they receive certain disability benefits, you may be entitled to £81.90 per week (2025 rate). Even if you don’t qualify for Carer’s Allowance, you might be eligible for Carer’s Credit, which helps protect your State Pension rights.
7. Support in Education and Training
If you’re a carer in education, you may be entitled to additional support, such as bursaries, grants, or flexible study arrangements. Many universities and colleges have dedicated carers’ support services, and you can request reasonable adjustments to help balance your studies and caring role.
8. The Right to Be Involved in Hospital Discharge
If the person you care for is admitted to hospital, you have the right to be involved in discharge planning. Hospitals must consult with carers to ensure a safe and supported transition home, including arranging any necessary equipment or care packages.
9. Access to Information and Advocacy
Carers have the right to clear information about the condition of the person they care for, as well as available services and support. If you feel your voice isn’t being heard, you can access independent advocacy services to help you navigate complex systems and ensure your rights are respected.
Why Knowing Your Rights Matters
Too often, carers put their own needs last, focusing entirely on the person they support. But understanding and exercising your rights is not selfish—it’s essential. Accessing support can prevent burnout, improve your quality of life, and help you continue caring for longer.
Where to Find Help
• Carers UK offers a wealth of information and a helpline for advice on your rights and entitlements (Carers UK - Your Rights as a Carer).
• Mobilise provides practical tips and a supportive online community for carers (Mobilise - Carers Rights).
• Your local council and NHS services can also offer guidance and assessments.
Final Thoughts
Carers Rights Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a call to action. If you’re a carer, take time today to check your rights, reach out for support, and share this information with others. You are not alone, and you deserve recognition, respect, and support for all you do.
If you are looking for ways to support your employees who are also carers, or would like to understand how ApiaryLife might be able to provide support for your organisation, then please get in touch.
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