How can I support a carer in the workplace?

An employer that has demonstrable, clear carer policies and has facilitated the creation of a carer network among staff with named contacts to approach for support is much more likely to receive applications from people with carer responsibilities.

Caring can happen to anyone at any time. A great starting point could be to encourage your employee to have a carer’s assessment and to look at our resources.

We’re here for employers too. If you have an employee’s handbook, you might want to give your employee a copy, ensuring it covers the topics listed below.

Rights and policies

People who are both working and caring have certain rights designed to enable them to remain in employment alongside their caring role.

These rights include the following:

• Flexible working
• Freedom from direct discrimination or harassment because of their caring responsibilities
• The Carers Leave Act 2024 – This covers England, Wales and Scotland. It provides one week’s (or pro rata) unpaid leave per year for someone providing or making arrangements for a person they care for. It is available from the first day of employment.
• Parental leave

Organisations in Brighton and Hove under 250 employees can become part of the Employers for Carers umbrella scheme for free, hosted by Brighton and Hove City Council.

This gives you access to a range of digital resources relating to carers working in organisations and the law and best practice for employers.

Larger organisations can join the scheme as members directly with a scale of costs depending on the number of employees and/or membership required.