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Work - Balancing Work and Care This section looks at issues which face working Carers. If you are currently working then this page is for you. If you are looking to return to work click here
Carers Right to Request Flexible Working The Work and families Act 2006 gives Carers the right to request flexible working while employers have a duty to consider such requests. This right applies to parents of disabled children and Carers of adults who have worked for their employer for a minimum of 26 weeks. For Carers of adults this right applies to employees who are currently, or expect to be, caring for another adult who:
The 'near relative' definition includes parents, parents-in-law, adult child, adopted adult child, siblings (including those who are in-laws), uncles, aunts, grandparents or step relatives.
You can ask your employer to consider any of the following:
To apply, you need to write to your employer asking for the changes you would like and saying why these would help you. You should also show how any proposed changes will fit in with the demands of your company's work patterns. By giving as many details as possible you will be able to build a good business case which should in turn, help your employer to give you a positive response. You can only make one request a year and any adjustments agreed will mean permanent change to your contract of employment. It is therefore important to think carefully about any financial or practical implications before proceeding with your application. If your employer refuses, you can appeal against the decision. Employers may choose to offer flexible working to all employees, so it is worth asking about your company's policy first. Click here for further information.
You may be able to use annual leave or unpaid leave to cover periods of intensive caring. If you are thinking of giving up work, it is worth asking whether your employer offers a career break scheme. A career break would allow you to keep your options open. If agreed you would have a job to return to and remain in touch with the world of work while you are away.
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Quick links Balancing
Work and Care
You have the right to a 'reasonable' amount of time off to deal with emergencies involving a dependant. This right also includes some protection from dismissal. It is at the employer's discretion whether the leave is paid or unpaid. Situations where this leave might be taken include:
You can usually take up to 4 weeks a year. If your child is disabled, you can take the leave as a day or multiples of a day or, for the under 5's in weekly blocks. Parental leave is usually unpaid but employers can choose to offer paid leave - so check your company's policy. If you are finding it difficult to juggle work with your caring role, you may be thinking of leaving your employment. If this is the case it is important to consider what you will be losing and look at your options very carefully. If you leave work will you:
Before you make any decision, do talk to your employer and explain your situation and concerns. You may well be highly valued for your skills and experience, and it could be far less time consuming and more cost effective for the company to offer you flexible arrangements than to recruit and train a new member of staff. Your employer may look more favourably on your situation than you anticipate, and might have suggestions which you have not considered to enable you to continue working. If you are unsure how to approach your employer, talk to a member of the ACE team. If, after talking to your employer you are still convinced that it is best to leave your work, check all your options before you resign. Perhaps you could take a career break to consider your long term options or maybe you could take early retirement or voluntary redundancy. Click here to go to the Carers UK website for further information or call ACE to discuss your situation with one of our dedicated team. |
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Action for Carers (Surrey) Reg Office: Astolat Coniers Way Burpham Guildford GU47HL Company Limited by Guarantee Co. No. 5939327 Registered in England & Wales with Charitable Status Reg no 1116714 |
The UK has over 3 million working
carers - that is 1 in 7 of the workforce attempting to juggle
caring responsibilities with paid employment.
If you are a working Carer,
you may worry that disclosing your caring responsibilities at
work will jeopardise your job. It is up to you whether you tell
your employer or not. As an employee you have some statutory
rights, but if your employer understands your caring role he /
she may be prepared to offer additional support.
If you think that you are going to be
made redundant, it is vital to understand your rights and
entitlements. Your employer must follow certain procedures and
you may be entitled to redundancy payment. For information on
your rights and how to claim benefits after redundancy
If you have worked for your employer
for more than a year and are responsible for a child born after
15th December 1999 you are entitled to parental leave for: