Marvin OnumonuUK employers risk losing staff as nearly four in 10 (36%) cancer carers want to move jobs due to lack of support, research from Reframe Cancer found.
Reframe Cancer surveyed 442 people in the UK who care for someone with cancer while in full or part time work.
More than half (57%) said they were totally unprepared for the role and did not know what would be expected of them.
Almost two-thirds (63%) said the emotional impact, including anxiety and worry, made it hard to keep working; this was highest among 18 to 34-year-olds, with 67% saying the same.
The research also revealed that 48% said they felt pressure to return to work as soon as possible after taking time off; this pressure was highest among younger carers aged 18 to 34 (53%).
Additionally, there were positive findings for employers who did provide support, with more than six in ten (62%) saying work was a good distraction.
The same number said they could talk openly to colleagues about being a carer, and 63% said their line manager showed concern or interest when told about their caring responsibilities.
When asked what would help them most, carers said flexible working hours (48%) and remote working (40%), and a quarter (25%) wanted time off for caring recognised as a need.
Mark Stephenson, CEO at Reframe Cancer, said: “Providing support and the right level of employee benefits to working cancer carers is going to be an increasing need for employers over the coming years.
“It is not hard to see why, cancer rates amongst under 50s have risen 24% in the last two decades.
“Coupled with this carers will often take on the role of being a carer, whilst working, for 12 months, so it is a big commitment by any employee that takes this on, and one that should be fully supported by employers.”
Stephenson added: “However, it’s really concerning that at this stage there are clear signs that carers, especially those aged 18 – 34, feel rushed into returning to work after having time off or don’t feel a great level of support, so much so that many want to move jobs as the whole experience has had such a negative impact on them.
“This is an awful burden and pressure for carers to face when they are simultaneously juggling work and giving up probably whatever free time they have to care for a loved one who is dealing with cancer.”
He said: “Some employers may feel ill equipped to handle the needs of carers, but this can’t be an excuse.
“There are legal requirements that they must meet. At the same time they will need to be aware that insurance and EAP solutions do not cover carers and specifically cancer carers where a degree of specialist assistance is vital, so it’s important to really evaluate how this growing group of employees can be supported in the workplace.
“In the long term carers will no doubt also become advocates if they are given all the guidance and support they need whilst on their caring journey.”
