Dame Caroline Dinenage, Member of Parliament for Gosport, has called on carers to make sure that they know what rights they are entitled to on Carers’ Rights Day.

Caroline, a former Care Minister, brought in the Carers Action Plan in 2018 and was instrumental to the introduction of unpaid carer’s leave, which was brought in via the Carer’s Leave Act in 2023. The measure provided for one week’s unpaid leave per year if providing or arranging care for someone with a long-term care need. That leave provision came with flexibility and was welcomed by carers’ groups.

There are over 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK whose care provides an economic value to the UK worth an estimated £152 billion. Carers’ Rights Day is an opportunity to help to make sure more carers are aware of their rights and feel empowered to use them. There are over 8000  unpaid carers in the Gosport Constituency.

Caroline said: “The motivation of the millions of carers for looking after their loved ones across the country is not for any kind of award, but it does mean they are often unaware of what rights they have.

“Carers should know their rights. Without an awareness of what they are entitled to they might be missing out on support and benefits to help lessen the burden of care, which can be very heavy.

“On Carers Rights Day, I urge all carers in the Gosport Constituency to take just a few minutes to get to grips with their rights, which they can do at the Carers UK website.”