CARERS in Northern Ireland are being “left behind” as a legal entitlement to unpaid leave comes into effect in Britain, campaigners have warned.

Under the Carer’s Leave Act, which comes into force on Saturday in England, Wales and Scotland, employees who are carers can take up to a week of unpaid leave every 12 months, equating to five days for most people.

Workers are entitled to such leave to give or arrange care for a dependant, not necessarily a family member, who has a physical or mental illness or injury meaning they will need care for more than three months, who has a disability or who needs care due to old age.