Carer's leave

Carer's leave allows employees to take time away from their job to look after an immediate family member or someone in their household who needs care due to illness, injury, or an unexpected emergency. Depending on the workplace policies and entitlements, this leave can be paid or unpaid. It's an important provision that recognises the responsibilities employees may have outside of their work.

How much carer's leave employees can take

Under the National Employment Standards, paid carer's leave comes out of an employee's personal/carer's leave balance: full-time employees get 10 days a year and part-time employees get the same pro rata. All employees, including casuals, can also take 2 days of unpaid carer's leave each time a family or household member needs care or support, but permanent employees can only take it once their paid leave is used up. For example, a full-time employee whose child is sick can use paid personal/carer's leave and, if their balance runs out, take up to 2 days of unpaid carer's leave.

Read our guide to personal/carer's leave.