If you have used your personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave entitlements, you could take part or all of any annual or long service leave owing to you.

If you think you may have to have a complete break from work, you are not alone as many carers find it difficult to stay working. However, think about your options and what you stand to lose. If you decide you have no choice but to leave work, find out if there are other ways of leaving apart from resigning. You may be able to take extended leave without pay, early retirement or voluntary redundancy.

For more information on carer’s leave, see the Federal Government’s Workplace website:
http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Programmes/WorkFamily/Carersleave.htm

For information about discrimination against carers, go to the Anti Discrimination Board’s website:
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/lawlink/adb/ll_adb.nsf/pages/adb_carers_responsibilities

What next?

If you would like to learn more about the issues raised in this Fact Sheet you may like to try:

• returning to the Employees menu on the Gateway
• checking out the Federal Government Workplace Relations website for more information on Carers
• visiting the relevant state workplace and employment website
  • NSW - http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au
    VIC - http://www.business.vic.gov.au
    QLD - http://www.deir.qld.gov.au
    SA - http://www.service.sa.gov.au
    WA - http://wa.gov.au/governmentservices/jobseconomy
    TAS - http://www.service.tas.gov.au
    NT - http://www.nt.gov.au
    ACT - http://www.act.gov.au
• subscribing to our monthly newsletter, Work 'n' Care, for regular information and support regarding the issues facing working carers.

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