What are the biggest employee benefits trends for 2027?

The biggest employee benefits trends for 2027 are tighter budgets, a shift towards benefits people use often, and the rise of care benefits such as back-up care, eldercare support and paid carer's leave. Employment Rights Act changes due in 2027, including bereavement leave and tougher rules on refusing flexible working, are also pushing employers to review family support.

What family benefits should we add to our benefits package next year?

Most UK employers should prioritise back-up care for children and adults, a few days of paid carer's leave and enhanced paternity pay. These close the biggest gaps in time and money for a modest cost, and they support parents, carers and fathers rather than just new mothers. A short survey of your own workforce will confirm the right order.

What are care benefits?

Care benefits are employee benefits that help staff look after someone else, such as children, a partner or an older relative. They include back-up childcare, holiday club cover, eldercare support, paid carer's leave and return-to-work coaching. Treating them as one category, alongside pensions and health, makes them easier to budget for and explain to staff.

Is paid carer's leave becoming law in the UK?

Not yet. Statutory carer's leave is currently up to one week of unpaid leave a year. The government consulted on making it paid, and on extending it, between June and September 2026, but it has not announced a decision. Employers can choose to offer paid carer's leave now.

Employee Benefits Trends 2027: What's Next for Family Support

Posted on: October 17, 2026, by

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