Working carers
It is thought that 5 million people are juggling working and caring in the UK, that's 1 in 7 in every workplace. On average, 600 people a day leave work to care because of these pressures. And if unsupported, many working carers face feeling exhausted, stressed, and struggling to manage their own health alongside their caring role. Sadly we know that many carers reach a tipping point and sometimes find it difficult to balance caring and working, meaning that people give up work or reduce hours so that they can care.
Your rights at work
Find out what support your employer offers family carers. See what company policies are in place and what support might be available to you in your place of work. Speak to your line manager or Human Resources department.
Locally the Carers Trust have produced Balancing Work and Care - A Guide for Working Carers which provides information on:
- Rights at Work
- Flexibility in the workplace
- Carer Passports
- Employment law support.