New legislation has been introduced that grants carers in the UK the right to one week's unpaid leave per year.

The Carer's Leave Act, which received its royal assent in May, is expected to come into effect next year.

This measure has been welcomed by Joanne Stronach, Head of Employment Law and HR at Cartmell Shepherd Solicitors, who believes it is a step in the right direction to support the millions of people who provide unpaid care to their dependant family members or friends.

Currently, it is estimated that two million people in the UK are balancing work and caring responsibilities.

Joanne Stronach said: "Being an unpaid carer brings huge pressures, both emotionally and financially. As the population ages, more and more people are finding themselves as part of the ‘sandwich generation’ where they have to juggle looking after elderly relatives and children at the same time.

"If they are caring for someone with a debilitating illness such as dementia or Parkinson’s disease, then the situation becomes even more complex.

“While employees currently have the right to take unpaid time off to deal with emergencies or certain other situations regarding dependents, this new legislation recognises longer-term care needs such as attending routine appointments.”

The leave will be available to eligible employees from the first day of their employment, ensuring that unpaid carers are supported regardless of the length of their employment.

Employees taking Carer's Leave will have the same employment protections associated with other forms of family-related leave.