Who cares?! Identifying & Supporting Carers in the Workforce
How many members of your workforce have a caring responsibility outside of their traditional job? And what can you do to support them?
Carers UK estimates that one in eight workers are also unpaid carers for a loved one, friend or neighbour, and as our population ages this number is only likely to grow. But this additional labour can have a significant impact on the carer’s own independence, happiness and health, as well as their productivity at work. Nationally 600 carers leave work every day due to caring responsibilities and 80% of carers are of working age.
With over 60,000 carers in Warwickshire, it is important to make sure that carers are aware of and can access the support that is available to them. This will protect their own health and wellbeing and enable carers to maintain a full life outside of their caring responsibility. Carers are an asset to businesses and supporting carers to remain in work not only benefits the carer but benefits business by retaining staff who are happier and more productive.
Luckily, there is plenty of information out there for employers help them support carers in the workforce. Employers for Carers, an organisation providing practical advice and support for employers seeking to develop carer-friendly policy, say on their website: “By recognising the needs of carers, you can hold on to your experienced staff and reap the rewards of creating a supportive working environment for carers.”
You can find out more about Employers for Carers by visiting their website: https://www.employersforcarers.org/
Local support is also available for carers living in Warwickshire. Find out more by visiting www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers