Supporting the Health and Wellbeing of Unpaid Working Carers

Ellie Socha

• Uncategorized
• Healthy_Communities
• Healthy_Business
• Diversity and Inclusion

Employers have a responsibility to safeguard the health and wellbeing of all employees, so that no one is left behind. There are around six million people in the UK, providing some form of unpaid care to a friend, relative, or someone else with a physical or mental health condition, illness, or problems relating to old age or addiction¹. These people who care for others face challenges every day when juggling their work and caregiving responsibilities which takes a toll on their own health. In fact, almost half of carers reported at least one adverse health effect from providing care, rising to three-quarters among those providing 20 to 49 hours of care per week².

What unpaid carers need

A recent study by Carers Trust, supported by Simplyhealth and Business in the Community (BITC), surveying unpaid carers from across the UK, explored the challenges that unpaid carers face when trying to balance work, caring responsibilities, and their own health. The study highlighted the unfortunate truth that four-fifths of unpaid carers had considered quitting their jobs completely because of difficulties in balancing their work and caring responsibilities, which was affecting their wellbeing. In addition, nine in 10 unpaid carers had considered reducing their hours, while two-thirds had thought about switching companies to one that was more flexible.

The research highlights the need for employers to identify unpaid carers in their workplace and provide the necessary support so that they can stay in work. Carers have highlighted that the major barriers to staying in work are:

– the setting of rigid targets

– lack of flexible working options

– unsupportive company cultures

In reality, people who balance caregiving alongside work could possess essential skills that are desirable to all employers, such as time management, collaboration, and problem solving, making them valuable assets to the workplace. Employers should recognise and celebrate the unique skillset that working carers bring to the workplace and ensure that these employees know where and how to access the necessary support if and when they need it. Flexibility is also key. Employers could be missing out on this vital talent by not taking action to create a workplace culture which is accepting and supportive of all employees and provides flexibility so that employees can choose for themselves how, when, and where they want to work.

Read the executive research summary and full research report from Carers Trust.

Employee toolkit to help identify carers needs

Carers Trust has designed an Employee toolkit, supported by Simplyhealth and BITC, which encourages employers to support carers by identifying and having open conversations with carers about their health needs; ensuring access to information on available support; offering flexibility and autonomy over how, when, and where they work; and recognising and celebrating the unique skills they bring to the workplace through their caregiving experience.

Get Involved in our Let’s Care Together programme

Recognising the increased need to support the wellbeing of unpaid carers, BITC has partnered with Simplyhealth to launch Let’s Care Together, a three-year programme dedicated to supporting those with caregiving responsibilities, including those in work. Through our Let’s Care Together programme, we provide unpaid carers with access to virtual, over the phone or online support from a trained volunteer befriender, enabling carers across the UK to have a space and time to focus on their own wellbeing, while balancing their work and caring responsibilities. The Befrienders are trained volunteers from BITC’s member businesses.

With many people in the UK providing some form of unpaid care, it is essential that employers take action now to do the right thing and support unpaid carers in their workplaces, so that no one is left behind.

For more information on how you can refer employees to the programme to access support or engage your employees in volunteering as Befrienders please email care@bitc.org.uk or click here to find out more information.

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