Many UK employers are seeking clearer and more practical ways to support employees who combine paid work with caring responsibilities, according to new research.
The findings form part of a new Employers for Carers report based on a survey of 117 organisations across England, Scotland and Wales. Employers for Carers is set up and run by Carers UK and operates as a membership forum to promote effective workplace approaches for employees with unpaid caring responsibilities.
Although 88% of employers said they understood the impact that poor carer health can have on their organisation, fewer than half, at 49%, had support in place specifically designed for carers. Three quarters of organisations said they needed practical tools that could be shared directly with carers at work, while a similar proportion wanted better ways to signpost employees to external sources of support.
An Appetite for Practical Support
There are around one in seven people in the UK who juggle employment with caring for an older, disabled or seriously ill family member or friend. With the UK population ageing, this figure is expected to increase, placing additional pressure on individuals and workplaces alike.
More than 600 people leave work every day in order to become someone’s carer. This loss of income affects carers and their families and also has wider implications for employers and the economy. Retaining experienced staff is increasingly linked to how effectively organisations respond to caring responsibilities.
Previous research from Carers UK shows that 51% of carers take more than a year to recognise their caring role. While 96% of survey respondents could define a working carer, only 59% said they had a dedicated process to help employees identify themselves as carers. This gap can delay access to support and adjustments that may help people remain in work.
The Role of Employers and Line Managers
The report also highlights the role of line managers, who are often the first point of contact for staff seeking support. Just over half of organisations, 57%, said line managers receive training or awareness raising on unpaid caring responsibilities. However 43% reported that no such training is provided.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, said, that supporting carers to remain in the workforce benefits employees, employers and society alike.
“For employers, losing carers means a loss of skilled and experienced staff, while for carers, leaving work can result in reduced income and increased financial and emotional strain,” she said. “On a wider scale, the economic impact is substantial, with lost productivity from carers exiting the workforce estimated at a staggering £37 billion.”
“While it is encouraging that more employers are becoming aware of unpaid carers and the challenges of balancing work and care, this report shows that many workplaces still need advice and guidance to turn this awareness into practical support.”