Better support for working carers would give businesses and the UK economy a much needed boost and would save taxpayers £1.3 billion a year, according to a recently published report.
The Supporting Working Carers Report is warning that as well as losing money, businesses risk losing valuable, experienced employees if action is not urgently taken to enable people with caring responsibilities to remain in work.
There are more than three million employees who currently have to balance their work commitments and their family caring responsibilities; almost two million of those people work full time.
New evidence from over 200 employers shows that providing these carers with better support in the workplace can result in cost savings for businesses. This is because better support of working carers:
- Improves staff productivity;
- Improves staff retention; and
- Reduces sick leave and absenteeism rates among staff.
Carers already have a legal right to request flexible working hours after 26 weeks of continuous employment, and a Bill is going through Parliament that will give everyone that same right. This will reduce the stigma among carers when discussing this issue with their place of work.
But the report highlights the need for a cultural shift among businesses towards this issue; workplaces and services have shifted to help working parents to juggle family responsibilities and this shift in attitude now needs to take place for carers of older and disabled loved ones.
This report, which has been produced by the Government, major employers and the charity Carer’s UK, recommends that:
- Employers renew their commitment to flexible working and actively promote the benefits of this approach with other businesses;
- Businesses “carer proof” their policies and procedures to ensure they are fit to deal with the UK’s growing care responsibilities; and
- Local authorities support the development of a care market that offers more flexible and affordable care and support services that enable carers to stay in work.
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If you need help with an employment law matter, including the right to request flexible working, contact our specialist solicitors on 01224 370 208 or fill in our enquiry form today.