Working Carers: being an employee

If you are currently working and caring, it may feel like a juggling act at times.

For many carers being in paid work as well as caring can be emotionally as well as financially beneficial but it can come with its own challenges.

You don’t have to tell your employer that you are a carer but many issues can be resolved through informal discussions. To begin with, you could talk with your line manager or HR department to find out if they can offer you support.

Carers have legal rights which may help them to deal with the demands of caring:

• the right to request flexible working
• the right to time off in emergencies
• the right not to be discriminated against or harassed under the Equality Act 2010
• the right to parental leave

As well as statutory rights you may have more generous contractual rights, check with your HR department or read your contract to find out if you have any additional rights.

Support from York Carers Centre

We can help if you would like someone to liaise with your employer on your behalf, provide information to support you in appeals or disciplinary action, or generally raise awareness of carers in the workplace.   We may be able to offer training for your employers, and work place drop-ins for carers.

If you would like to have an informal discussion about any of the above please contact Shirley our Advice Worker on shirley.monteith@yorkcarerscentre.co.uk or 01904 715490. We also operate an evening Advice Line 5 to 8pm on Wednesdays on the same number.

Carers UK Digital Support:

City of York Council have teamed up with national charity Carers UK to give carers in our area access to a range of free digital tools that may help make your caring situation easier. The resources include e-learning for carers on topics like Working and Skills, with specific sections about requesting flexible working and seeking support at work. See what’s available and try some of the resources by visiting carersdigital.org, and create an account using York’s free access code: DGTL6282 .

Useful Links

ACAS Advice for employers and employees

Carers UK  Advice about working and caring

Macmillan Macmillan offer specific advice to those caring for someone with cancer.

Working Families Working families advice and information