Advice for Employers – – Supporting Working Carers

Carers 25 February 2022

Juggling work and care – Supporting Working Carers

Advice for Employers

Are you a business or organisation in Wigan?

Did you know 1 in 7 of your workforce could be a Carer?

Balancing work and care can be hard. Without support and understanding at work, carers can suffer from high levels of stress and exhaustion. The effects of this can be damaging both in the workplace and at home. We often here from local carers who are struggling balancing work and care.
Put simply being a carer is like having a whole other job – on top of an employee’s regular job and on top of their other family commitments, hobbies or interests. Caring doesn’t work nine till five, it is unpredictable and can be hard to fit around a paid job.

How can you be more supportive to carers?

  • Identify carers’ in your workplace.
  • Understand the impact of work and caring.
  • Develop and communicate a carer policy, framework or guidance.
  • Introduce flexible working to support working carers.
  • Provide carers’ leave (paid or unpaid) and be adaptable when carers need leave at short notice.
  • Signpost staff to local support including Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre (we have leaflets available).
  • Awareness raising events at your workplace to help engage your staff.
  • Carer Awareness Training for line managers and key staff.
  • Obtain resources to advise and guide carers in your workforce.
  • Sign up to https://www.employersforcarers.org/

For more information or to arrange a visit to your business from our dedicated team, call Wigan and Leigh Carers Centre on 01942 705959 or email info@wlcccarers.com / www.wlcccarers.com