Nearly half (44%) who are unpaid caregivers and work report that their mental health and physical well-being have deteriorated since they took on caregiving responsibilities.
According to Carers UK a third (33%) of carers who are currently or were previously employed have cancelled or postponed their own tests, scans, or treatments because they had to juggle work and caring duties.
In a survey of 2,000 people, the charity Carer’s Week 2020 (9-15 June), found that 25% had reduced their work hours to take care of someone.
The study found that caregivers were less likely (37%) to suffer from deteriorating mental or physical health if they did not work.
According to a previous study by the charity, four out of ten carers stated that they needed greater flexibility in the workplace to manage the demands of both caregiving and working. 600 people give up their jobs every day to provide care.
The people who didn’t make their own appointment were either unable to get time off work or couldn’t find an appointment that fit with both caring for family and working.
Helen Walker, CEO of Carers UK said that the Carer’s Leave Act introduced in April last was just the beginning.
She said that flexible working, paid carer’s leave, and a line manager who understands can make a big difference in helping employees take care of their own health and well-being, as they do for the person they are caring for.
When businesses invest in caring workplaces, they benefit both employees and employers. They retain valued staff members and move us closer to equality in the workplace for caregivers.
Ariam Enraght Moony, Chief People Officer at TSB said that the bank is proud to offer 70 paid hours of carer’s leaves each year.
She said, “Our support doesn’t just focus on attracting talent. It’s also about retaining talented colleagues and making certain that no one is forced to sacrifice their career in order to show care.”
I urge employers to think about what they can do more to help colleagues who also care for others.
Phoenix Group, a savings and retirement company, conducted a separate study that revealed two out of five carers who work would be unable to find a job without their employer being flexible.
Over half of workers (55%) would begin looking for a new job if their company ended its policy of working from home. This compares to just 47% who would make the same move.
Claire Hawkins is the director of corporate affairs at Phoenix Group, and executive sponsor for its Carers Network. She said: “Too often, carers find themselves in an unenviable situation of having to decide between working and caring for their loved ones.
It’s important that businesses who can greatly benefit from the skills and experiences of carers, recognise the importance of allowing them to work flexible hours.
“Better flexibility in the workplace and paid leave for carers are essential to enable carers to work as long as they wish, to earn and save for their future.”
The Unite union is calling on employers to adopt “Carers’ Passports”, which document the flexibility employees require in order to fulfill their caring responsibilities. It suggests that these would be portable across roles, employers, and managers.
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, said: “Although we all care for someone in our lifetimes, it can be a surprise and something for which we are unprepared. Some of these topics may have never been discussed in the workplace.
Alison Spencer Scragg, Unite’s national officer for women, said: “We want to minimize the need to renegotiate flexibility every time an employee changes roles, departments or managers.”
Subscribe to our weekly HR news and guidance
Every Wednesday, receive the Personnel Today Direct newsletter.
Personnel Today offers HR business partners opportunities
Browse other HR Business Partner Jobs
