Parents urged to gain 12 weeks’ paid leave as carers face financial strain

Dame Rachel de Souza has called for a legal right to 12 weeks of paid leave at 90% of normal pay for parents of seriously ill or disabled children, saying families should not have to choose between bedside care and keeping their jobs.

The children’s commissioner made the appeal while the government consulted on financial support for families and unpaid carers in England, Scotland and Wales. She noted parents’ accounts of the “impossible choices” they face when balancing care and employment.

Dame Rachel also backed a guaranteed right to return to work after extended leave to help families with children who have complex or fluctuating needs remain employed.

She recommended increasing unpaid carer’s leave from five to 10 days a year and introducing a form of paid carer’s leave. The call follows campaigning by the parents of Hugh Menai-Davis, who died of cancer aged six in 2021, who have urged employers to guarantee three months’ salary for parents of seriously ill children.

Ceri Menai-Davis said there is currently no specific legal right that allows parents to be at a child’s bedside in hospital, stressing that parents will naturally be by their child’s side.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The children’s commissioner’s proposals focus on statutory paid leave, a right to return to work, and extended unpaid leave entitlements, all raised during the government consultation on support for families and unpaid carers in England, Scotland and Wales. Campaigning from bereaved parents, including Frances and Ceri Menai-Davis, has highlighted gaps in employment protections for parents of seriously ill children.

Government minister Kate Dearden acknowledged the emotional impact of the testimonies and said ministers will consider strengthening support and employment rights for affected families.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Dame Rachel de Souza proposed 12 weeks’ paid leave at 90% pay for parents of seriously ill or disabled children.
• Proposal includes a right to return to work after extended leave and increasing unpaid carer’s leave from five to 10 days.
• Campaigning by the parents of Hugh Menai-Davis has pushed for guaranteed employer-paid leave for affected parents.