The South Belfast MLA, along with Alliance Party colleagues, has tabled a motion calling for the Minister to develop an informed assessment of the benefits of the provision of paid carer’s leave within his Good Jobs (Employment Rights) Bill. 

The theme of this year's Carers Rights Day (21 Nov) is ‘recognising your rights’ with the aim of helping carers recognise and understand their rights, and to access the support available to them.

Ms Nicholl has said: "The value of unpaid carers within our society cannot be underestimated. Each and every day, thousands of carers dedicate themselves to caring for family and friends, doing some of the most important and critically undervalued work within our economy.

“The provision of paid carer’s leave and flexible working practices could be a lifeline to those who have to take time off work to care for loved ones. Also, a recent report from Carers NI clearly articulates that introducing a statutory right to paid carer’s leave and flexible working could generate an additional £103-£198 million in tax receipts every year, while benefit expenditure could fall by between £40-86 million annually.

“The Minister failed to support proposals for paid carer’s leave within his ‘Good Jobs’ Employment Rights Bill consultation, despite the Assembly passing a motion in March 2024 that included support for the provision of paid carer's leave. That is why we have tabled a motion on the issue once again in the Assembly and will continue to lobby the Minister to bring forward these important proposals.

“While it was extremely disappointing that the Minister rolled back on his previous commitments, Alliance will continue to champion unpaid carers in Northern Ireland. I would urge the Minister to reconsider the omission of paid carer’s leave from his Good Jobs Bill proposals and ensure the rights of carers are not just maintained, but enhanced through this forthcoming legislation.”