Carer’s leave is a type of leave that allows employees to take time off from work to care for a family member or someone living in their household who is sick, injured, or experiencing an unexpected emergency. This can include a spouse, child, parent, or other individuals who rely on you for care.
The provision for carer’s leave is part of the National Employment Standards (NES), which are the minimum employment standards that apply to all workers in Australia under the Fair Work system. This system is governed by the Fair Work Act 2009 and sets out the rules for various types of leave, including annual leave, personal/carer’s leave, and parental leave, among others.
Permanent employees in Australia have the right to both paid and unpaid carer’s leave, while casual employees can only take unpaid carer’s leave. Knowing your rights when it comes to carer’s leave can help you balance your work and personal responsibilities.