Unite calls on employers to recognise carers in the workplace

Unite has called on employers to recognise carers in the workplace and bring in carers’ passports. 

One in five – around five million – employees in Britain juggle work and caring, and Unite said a carers’ passport could help staff document their need for flexibility and support. 

The passport could be used by an employee in future roles or if their line manager changes.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Although most of us care for someone at some point in our lives, it is also something that we are not prepared for and can come as a shock. 

“It can be difficult to talk about some of these issues which may not have been raised in the workplace before.

“Unite is calling for employers to adopt the Carers’ Passport and support their staff in being able to be a carer as well as a valued and productive employee.”

Unite said the carers’ passport would allow managers and staff to have a supportive conversation and write down what flexibility is needed. 

The document would be reviewed regularly and record any changes in an employee’s caring responsibilities.

Alison Spencer-Scragg, national officer for women at Unite, said: “We know that employees that have these responsibilities often feel overwhelmed by needing to balance working with caring. 

“Employers need to show flexibility and understanding when dealing with this and the Carers’ Passport is a good way to do this.

“The aim is to minimise the need to re-negotiate these flexibilities every time an employee moves post, moves between roles or departments, or is assigned a new manager.”