Marvin OnumonuRoyal Borough of Greenwich is now an accredited Carer-Inclusive Workplace, supporting council staff with caring responsibilities.
The accreditation came from Greenwich Carers Centre in recognition of the council’s new carers’ leave guidance.
This sets out employees’ statutory right to unpaid carers leave, which can be taken as full or half days.
This means staff can better manage care alongside their jobs.
The council also brought in a Carer’s Plan.
It is a voluntary tool helping staff and managers have open conversations about caring and practical support at work.
The plan is structured and tailored to each person’s situation.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary, said: “Becoming a Carer-Inclusive Workplace is about recognising the vital role unpaid carers play, both within our workforce and across our communities.
“Many unpaid carers do incredible work every day without identifying as carers or realising the support they are entitled to.
“This accreditation is part of our wider vision to ensure that all unpaid carers in Greenwich feel seen, valued and supported.”
Lolavar added: “We hope our approach inspires local partners, businesses and organisations to become Carer-Inclusive too.
“By working together, we can create workplaces across Greenwich where carers are understood, supported and able to thrive.”
Councillor Denise Hyland, Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value, said: “We know that caring responsibilities can have a significant impact on wellbeing, finances and work-life balance.
“Supporting carers in the workplace is not only the right thing to do for our staff and the people they care for, but it also helps create a healthier, more resilient workforce.
“We want to make sure everyone feels confident to ask for support and access what they are entitled to, and we’ll work with partners across the borough to raise awareness, recognition and support for unpaid carers in the workplace and beyond.”
Stuart Tattersall, CEO at Greenwich Carers Centre, said: “Every day, hundreds of people reach the limit of their ability to manage the relentless, often conflicting demands of work and caring.
“More than 600 carers leave paid employment each day so they can continue providing essential care, often under significant financial strain.
“Caring for another should never mean falling into poverty, nor should it drain our workplaces of valuable talent and experience. The reality is it so very often does.”
Tattersall added: “The Carer‑Inclusive Workplace Accreditation is our response here in Greenwich.
“In partnership with local businesses, we are strengthening staff retention, preventing carer poverty, and building a more inclusive borough – one that recognises, values, and supports our community of unpaid carers.”
