Research: Qualitative research with unpaid carers

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) commissioned research to explore the early impacts of the Carer’s Leave Act 2023. The study sought to illuminate how the legislation is shaping the experiences of carers, employers, and the broader workplace culture in its initial months of operation.

Key objectives and approach
– Assess practical uptake: How many carers are utilising the new leave entitlement, and in what contexts? The research tracks patterns across sectors, organisation sizes, and job types to understand the breadth of adoption.
– Understand operational impact on employers: The investigation examines changes to workforce planning, productivity, and management practices as organisations adapt to the Act’s requirements.
– Evaluate carer well-being and work-life balance: By examining stress levels, job satisfaction, and perceived support, the study aims to capture the Act’s influence on carers’ overall well-being.
– Identify implementation challenges: The research probes administrative processes, eligibility interpretation, and communication efficacy to reveal where guidance may be strengthened.
– Gather stakeholder perspectives: Feedback from carers, HR leaders, line managers, and trade bodies informs a nuanced view of how the Act translates into day-to-day practice.

Early insights
– Increased awareness, with varying adoption: Initial data indicate a growing recognition of the Carer’s Leave entitlement among carers. However, uptake is uneven across sectors, with higher prevalence in organisations that have established robust flexible-working policies and explicit carer-support frameworks.
– Administrative clarity matters: Employers report that clear, accessible guidance on eligibility, notice periods, and documentation reduces hesitancy and improves utilisation. Ambiguities in policy interpretation can impede uptake, underscoring the need for streamlined processes.
– Impact on retention and morale: Early feedback suggests that the leave provision bolsters carers’ loyalty and engagement, contributing to a perception of being valued by their employer. This can translate into improved retention, particularly in roles with high turnover pressures.
– Workforce planning considerations: For some organisations, the Act necessitates adjustments to workforce coverage, cross-training, and temporary staffing. Proactive planning and transparent communication help mitigate potential disruption.
– Variation by organisation size: Smaller firms report resource constraints in administering new leave policies, while larger organisations often have dedicated HR infrastructure that facilitates smoother implementation. Tailored guidance for smaller employers may be beneficial.

Implications for policy, practice, and future research
– Guidance and support materials: The DBT emphasises the need for clear, practical guidance on eligibility, notice requirements, and documentation to support consistent implementation across organisations.
– Employee communications: Encouraging proactive, plain-language communications about carers’ leave can help set expectations, reduce confusion, and promote uptake where it is beneficial.
– Alignment with related policies: Coordinating the Carer’s Leave Act with existing family leave, parental leave, and flexible-working policies can enhance coherence and reduce administrative friction.
– Monitoring and evaluation: Ongoing data collection will be essential to track long-term effects on productivity, employee well-being, and organisational performance, enabling iterative policy refinement.
– Support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): Tailored resources that address the unique challenges faced by smaller employers can help ensure equitable access to the leave entitlement.

Next steps
The DBT will continue to analyse longitudinal data to capture longer-term trends and outcomes. Further reports are planned to examine differential impacts across industries, socioeconomic groups, and regional contexts. In parallel, the department will consider how findings inform guidance, employer support initiatives, and potential policy refinements to maximise positive outcomes for carers and organisations alike.

In closing
The early research on the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 provides a valuable snapshot of how the policy is being interpreted and enacted on the ground. While early experiences vary, the overarching signal is one of progress in embedding recognition and practical support for carers within the fabric of the modern workplace. As more data emerge, the DBT remains committed to translating insights into actionable guidance that supports carers, strengthens organisations, and contributes to a fairer, more productive economy.

June 12, 2026 at 10:29AM
研究：与无偿照护者的定性研究
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/qualitative-research-with-unpaid-carers
商务与贸易部（DBT）委托开展研究，探讨《2023年照护者休假法案》对照护者的早期影响。

阅读更多中文内容： 初期影响评估：商业与贸易部（DBT）关于《照护者休假法案2023》早期影响的研究