Strengthening support for working carers

We understand how difficult it can be to juggle work with caring.

There are lots of benefits of staying in work, not only financially but also helping to maintain your identity as a person and maintaining a supportive social circle.

If you want to remain in paid work, there are steps you can take to help you manage your work commitments alongside your caring role. In the most circumstances, the first step is to discuss the situation with your employer. As an unpaid carer, you have the statutory right to request flexible working, to have time off in an emergency and protection from discrimination as a result of your caring role.

You may also have rights as a result of your contract with your employer. Should you decide to reduce the amount of paid work you do, it is always advisable to consider the financial implications and see what benefits might be available.

In some cases, carers may have to give up paid employment, despite their desire to carry on working. In other situations, deciding to stop work is the best choice for a carer and can feel like a huge relief. There are also a lot of carers who find continuing to work provides them with a work/life balance that they find more beneficial, as well as providing them with an income.

Please visit our ‘My rights as a carer’ page to help you manage your work commitments alongside your caring role.

https://devoncarers.org.uk/information-and-advice/information/my-rights-as-a-carer/rights-at-work/

If you have ideas or suggestions for how we can improve our work with working carers please get in touch – we are very keen to hear from you.