Most employers want practical support for carers’ health and wellbeing at work – EfC

Employers for Carers (EfC) survey found strong demand for practical tools to support carers’ health and wellbeing at work.

Most employers (96%) could explain what a working carer is. 

Three quarters (75%) wanted resources to help carers manage their health and wellbeing. 

Similar numbers wanted ways to signpost employees to outside support.

Analysis found that there are one in seven people in the UK juggling work and caring for someone who is older, disabled or has a long-term health condition. 

The report noted this number will rise, and supporting employees who care is becoming a bigger issue.

Research found more than 600 people leave work every day to care. 

This loss of income affects families, employers and the wider economy. 

Carers UK found half of carers (51%) take over a year to identify themselves as carers. 

While almost all employers in the survey could define a working carer, only 59% had a process to help staff recognise their caring role. 

88% of employers were aware that poor carer health impacts their organisation, but only 49% had health and wellbeing support for carers.

The report highlighted line managers as key in spotting carers, as they are often the first point of contact. 

57% of employers gave line managers training about unpaid caring, while 43% did not.

Helen Walker, CEO at Carers UK, said: “Supporting carers to remain in the workforce benefits employees, employers, and society alike. 

“For employers, losing carers means a loss of skilled and experienced staff, while for carers, leaving work can result in reduced income and increased financial and emotional strain. 

“On a wider scale, the economic impact is substantial, with lost productivity from carers exiting the workforce estimated at a staggering £37bn.”

Walker added: “While it is encouraging that more employers are becoming aware of unpaid carers and the challenges of balancing work and care, this report shows that many workplaces still need advice and guidance to turn this awareness into practical support.

“We are seeking to address this gap in support through Employers for Carers (EfC), Carers UK’s employer forum, which provides practical, hands-on help and equips employers with the tools they need to retain and support employees with caring responsibilities by putting effective health and wellbeing policies in place. 

“EfC member organisations have a wealth of practical experience to share, and we are proud of how they have led the way in supporting carers in the workplace.”