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Almost two thirds of working age Carers are in some sort of paid employment. A third of those work full-time and provide care for more than 20 hours per week. Combining work and caring can be difficult. The Carer on occasion may have to take time off work to look after the person in need when an emergency occurs. The Government has acknowledged the importance of the Carer being able to do this and at the same time have their rights to employment protected.
The Right to Have Time Off
The Employment Relations Act of 15/12/1999 gave Carers in paid work the right to have time off to deal with a family emergency. Carers cannot now by law be penalised by their employer for taking time off so long as that time off is fully justified.
Work-Life Balance Campaign
In March 2000 the Prime Minister launched the government's Work-Life Balance campaign. This was to encourage employers to recognise the benefits to their organisation of flexible working arrangements and the responsibility that Carers have out of work.
The campaign is for everyone, whether you are an employer, Carer, parent or jobseeker. It is about changing working patterns so that everyone can find a way to help them combine work with 'out of work' responsibilities.
Promoting the Inclusion of Carers into Employment
Nearly three million Carers juggle paid work and care - that is one in seven people in the workforce - and many have to reduce the hours they work or give up work altogether. Keeping a job, or returning to a job when caring has ended can mean facing significant barriers such as:
- Loss of confidence and work skills
- Invisibility to mainstream services such as JobCentre Plus
- Finding good quality, flexible and affordable alternative care
- Finding an understanding and flexible employer
- Bridging the gap between benefits and work
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Information and ideas to help with the balance between being employed and caring.
- Issues faced by Carers in employment
- How employers can help
- How do you find out about Carer friendly policies
- What can Carers do?
- Helpful organisations
- Employment opportunities
Related Websites
- Carers UK
- Directgov: Flexible Working & Work Life Balance
- Directgov: Time off for Dependants
- The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Contact Signposts for Carers
- Tel: 01803 666620
- Email: signposts@torbay.gov.uk
- Fax: 01803 556060
