The Carers (Scotland) Act 2016

It was passed by the Scottish Parliament on 4 February 2016 and came into effect on 1 April 2018.

It provides the same employment protections to employees as other forms of family-related leave, including protection from dismissal. 

As well as establishing your right to receive an Adult Carer Support Plan or Young Carer Statement, it also gives local authorities and health boards the duties to support carers to:   

• Provide support to carers, based on their needs according to local eligibility criteria
• Establish and maintain an information and advice service for carers
• Involve carers and representatives in the planning and evaluation of services which support carers
• Consider breaks from caring as a form of support
• Publish and review a short breaks services statement 
• Inform the carer and invite their views before a cared-for person is discharged from hospital