Marvin OnumonuEmployers for Carers (EfC), a scheme set up by Carers UK to support staff with caring responsibilities, has reached 250 members.
Helen Walker, CEO of Carers UK, announced the milestone at the charity’s second annual employment conference, attended by over 150 business leaders and employment experts.
The EfC scheme was created by a group of employers aiming to create more inclusive workplaces for unpaid carers.
The scheme now includes organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, offering advice and support to three million UK employees.
The conference, held during Carers UK’s 60th anniversary year, focused on the challenges faced by people who work and also care for an older, sick or disabled family member or friend.
Speakers included Kelly Beaver, CEO of Ipsos UK and Ireland, and Mary Bright, group head of social sustainability at Phoenix Group.
Nicola Smith, director of policy for the TUC, also took part in a breakout session.
Carers UK research found that over 600 people a day left work to care due to a lack of flexibility and support.
This has led to loss of income, missed career opportunities and poorer health for carers.
It has also cost UK businesses an estimated £8.2bn a year in absence, turnover and stress, according to research.
Walker said: “One in seven of the workforce is caring for someone who is older, sick or disabled in the UK, and this is even higher in some sectors.
“In the NHS, it is as many as one in three. That’s millions of employees combining work and unpaid care.
“The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 gave 2.3 million working carers the right to five days of unpaid leave and we have been encouraged by its positive reception.”
Walker added: “However, Carers UK’s research has also found that half of working carers were unable to take the leave because they could not afford to.
“We are really pleased to see a growing number of employers recognising the business and employee benefits of supporting carers to go beyond the Act to offer paid Carer’s Leave.
“For forward-looking employers, the sharing of ideas and commitment to success for the future is fantastic to see.”
She said: “This event, and the fact that 250 employers are now signed up to Employers for Carers, shows that we are building real momentum for change and working to make life better for more unpaid carers.”
Carers UK has urged more employers to adopt carer-friendly measures in the workplace to support employees who combine work and unpaid care.
