Hertfordshire dad behind Hugh's Law welcomes paid leave plans for parents of seriously ill children
Government proposals for paid leave are being welcomed as a major step forward in supporting families of seriously ill children
A bereaved father from Hertfordshire, who’s campaigning for a new law in his son’s name, is welcoming plans for paid leave for parents of seriously ill children as a “hugely significant moment”.
The Government is consulting on both paid leave for parents for seriously ill children and for unpaid carers – who are currently only entitled to unpaid time off work.
The proposals are aimed at preventing people having to “choose between your job and those you love”, employment rights minister Kate Dearden said.
A charity set up in memory of six-year-old Hugh Menai-Davis, who died in 2021 after suffering from cancer, has campaigned for paid leave for parents of seriously or terminally ill children.
Hugh’s Law would ensure financial support where there is currently a “devastating gap” for parents, the It’s Never You charity said.
Hugh’s father, Ceri Menai-Davis, from Hertford, said he and his wife’s world “stopped overnight” when their son was diagnosed and they “quickly discovered that whilst there is a framework to support the child through treatment, there is very little support for the parents standing beside them”.
He added: “No parent should have to choose between being at their child’s hospital bedside and paying the mortgage.”
Mr Menai-Davis described the launch of the consultation, which will run until September 1, as “a hugely significant moment” and encouraged “parents, carers, employers and organisations” to contribute to the consultation.
'Legacy for Hugh'
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, he said: “It's surreal. It's overwhelming. When I read Hugh's name on the press release, I choked up a little bit.”
“I've worked tirelessly, and I mean tirelessly - blood, sweat, tears, so many downs, so many knockbacks, so many kickbacks - but I've never given up, and today seems like a win.”
Ceri adds: “It really does hit home to know that he Hugh would be ultimately proud of what we've done.
“I'd give everything up in a heartbeat to have him back, but I set out to create a legacy for him with my wife, and I think we've done a very good job of it.”
Unpaid carers consultation
The Government is also consulting on paid leave for unpaid carers.
Just over two years ago a legal entitlement to unpaid leave for carers came into effect for England, Wales and Scotland.
Since April 2024, employees who are carers for a dependant have been entitled to up to a week of unpaid leave every 12 months – equating to five days for most people.
But Carers UK has long called for a statutory right to paid leave for carers, arguing current workplace support and employment rights “do not reflect the realities of caring”.
The Government’s consultation proposes introducing paid carer’s leave, including asking respondents how much it should be, a new “right to return” to work for carers similar to mothers coming back after maternity leave, and new guidance for workers and employers on protections carers have in the workplace.
The Department for Business and Trade said unpaid carers feeling forced to cut their working hours, delay returning to work or quitting altogether costs the economy an estimated £37 billion a year and that new protections could result in thousands with caring responsibilities returning to work with increased flexibility and financial security.
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, also described the consultation launch as a “significant moment”, saying around 2.8 million unpaid carers across the UK currently face balancing work and care and therefore “helping carers remain in employment is both a social and economic priority”.
Ms Dearden said: “Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a partner with a long-term illness, or a child fighting a serious disease, you shouldn’t have to choose between your job and those you love.
“These proposed reforms are about making sure the world of work reflects the reality of people’s lives.”
Care minister Stephen Kinnock said: “Unpaid carers provide a vital service, caring for their family, friends and loved ones.
“They often put the needs of others before their own and we owe them a debt of gratitude for all they do.
“That is why we must make sure unpaid carers are not left behind or forgotten and our reforms will help provide the support carers need, while making sure they are not compromising their work or careers.”