Your rights at work

As a carer, you have rights in the workplace. It helps to know your rights so you can get the help you need to combine working with caring.

What your rights are

Your rights include:

• not being discriminated against because you are a carer – you are protected by state, territory and Australian Government anti-discrimination laws. Your employer is not allowed to
  • treat you unfairly because you are a carer
  • harass you because you are a carer
  • dismiss you or threaten to dismiss you because you are a carer
• asking for flexible working arrangements – you can ask your employer about arrangements that might make things work for you
• leave – the National Employment Standards says that an employee can take leave to provide care and support to a family or household member who is sick, injured or has an unexpected emergency. You may be asked to provide evidence, such as a doctor’s certificate, when you want to take leave. You may be able to take
  • paid leave
  • unpaid leave
  • compassionate leave

Getting help with working while caring

You can get more information about your rights as a carer from the Fair Work Commission, the Fair Work Ombudsman or Carers and Employers program.