Working carers present a significant proportion of the working population and yet many go unrecognised and unsupported in the workplace. We are committed to supporting employers across the South Tees to make sure this isn't the reality for local working carers.
Who is a Working Carer?
A working carer is someone who is in full or part time employment and also provides unpaid care and support to a friend or family member who has an illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction. This includes young adult carers aged 16 to 25.
In the UK around three million people are juggling work and caring responsibilities every day.
The Reality for Working Carers
Balancing work with care can be incredibly challenging. Many carers worry about their ability to continue to do their job for their employer, about the impact which caring has on them on a daily basis and on their career prospects.
Sadly, some people are forced with making the very difficult decision of having to leave work altogether because of their caring role – taking their experience, knowledge and talent with them. But with the right support from employers and organisations this doesn’t have to happen.
Why Employers Should Support Carers
Employers can make small adjustments to offer carer friendly employment to provide equity to unpaid carers in their workforce benefitting both the business and employees.
Reduce Absenteeism: Carers who are supported are less likely to take unplanned leave and are more reliable.
Increase Productivity: Employees who are supported and feel valued perform better and contribute more effectively.
Attract & Retain Talent: Carer-friendly policies help recruit new staff and retain skilled, experienced staff who might otherwise leave.
Improve Diversity & Inclusion: Carers come from all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. By supporting carers, businesses can tap into a more diverse workforce, including: Women, who are more likely to take on caring responsibilities; Older workers, who may be caring for elderly relatives or partners; Ethnic minority groups, who are statistically more likely to take on unpaid caring roles in some communities; Disabled people, who may be carers themselves or have fluctuating health needs. Inclusive policies make these groups more likely to apply, stay, and thrive in the workplace.
Save Money: Avoid recruitment costs and new staff training by retaining experienced members of staff, as well as reducing the financial impacts unplanned absences can have on businesses.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities – What You Need to Know
Carer's Leave Act 2023 (UK) – From April 2024, employees have the legal right to take up to five days of unpaid carer’s leave per year.
Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023 – Employees can now request flexible working from day one of employment.
Equality Act 2010 – Protection from discrimination by association (e.g., if a carer is treated unfairly due to their caring responsibilities).
What Employers Can Do
Support doesn’t need to be complicated or costly. Here are some things that businesses can do to make a difference:
Flexible Working – Options such as remote work, job sharing, or flexible hours help carers balance work and care.
Carer’s Leave & Paid Time Off – Beyond statutory rights, offering paid carer’s leave can reduce stress and absenteeism.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) – Confidential support services, including counselling and legal advice, are valuable.
Carer Networks & Peer Support Groups – Creating a space for carers to share experiences can improve morale.
Direct staff to local support – there are lots of organisations in South Tees that can offer support including We Care You Care, Carers Together and Teesside Mind.
Introduce a Carer Passport Scheme – a practical way to identify and recognise, record and support carers in the workplace.
Resources for Employers
Carer Passport UK
Useful information, free guides, resources and templates to help organisations implement and launch a Carer Passport Scheme.
https://carerspassports.uk/employment/resources
Employers for Carers
A membership scheme providing practical advice and support for employers looking to develop carer friendly policy and practice and retain skilled workers. Find out more here Home | EfC
Share Your Experiences
Take part in our short survey to help us understand how employers currently support unpaid carers in the workplace and help shape future policies and resources to support both employers and employees. The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete. Employer survey