3.1. Introduction (Preview)

Working carers are more likely to need support at work, and often different levels of support at different times; from access to a telephone to check on the person they care for to taking leave to help out when someone is being discharged from hospital.

Many staff are reluctant to talk to employers about their caring role in case it affects promotion prospects or even the security of their job. Over the next 20 years it is projected that the number of employees with a caring role will increase from the current 3 million to 4.5 million. Employers can help their business and their staff by creating a ‘carer friendly’ workplace. With good practice in place for working carers, employees can help their employer and themselves by having open discussions about their caring role.

Local carer centres try to reflect on the needs of working carers by raising awareness, liaising with local employers and HR professionals, providing them with information to ensure that they are aware of carers’ rights and entitlements. Carer centres may be able to provide 1-2-1 support to working carers on employer’s premises after work or during lunch breaks, out of hours support or help them in preparation and discussions about their caring role with employers.