Carers Together has been recognised for their good practice within a Carers UK research report which calls on the Government to review the Equality Act 2010 and introduce caring as a protected characteristic.
Carers UK research found that many unpaid carers have experienced discrimination or harassment. In the workplace, 22% of carers said they had experienced unfair or unfavourable treatment, with nearly a quarter of carers in employment (24%) saying that they had difficulties meeting their employer’s requirements because of their caring role.
Although the Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to directly discriminate against or harass someone who is associated with someone with a protected characteristic, the law is poorly understood and implemented.
Many unpaid carers often feel invisible, overlooked and undervalued. 55% of people responding to Carer’s UK’s survey said they need better understanding and recognition of carers from the general public.
The report (p30) states that-
Carers Together recognises that being a carer is an aspect of a person’s identity and should be acknowledged as a ‘Protected Characteristic’. Following consultation with carers, they have highlighted this within the Core Principles of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy, ensuring carers are not disadvantaged and are free from discrimination.
Carers Together also wanted to ensure that carers were protected in key areas of employment and developed their Recruitment Policy to reflect this. They expanded on their existing Carers Policy, identifying their commitment to carers and the associated Management Practices that would be implemented. A Carers Charter was also developed and promoted throughout the service. This work has resulted in positive feedback from carers, with several carers stating that they feel more confident and comfortable discussing their individual needs. It has also advanced the development of a positive and inclusive culture within the workplace.
Carers UK is now calling for caring to be made a protected characteristic by updating the Equality Act 2010. Introducing caring as a protected characteristic would strengthen carers’ rights to protection from discrimination and harassment, and because the protected characteristics are well-known it would further raise the profile of carers
Read the full report.
It is fantastic to see a local organisation's dedicated to supporting carers across the South Tees being recognised nationally.
