Caring for someone whilst working

You may be working when the need to care for someone occurs, and the demands of combining working and caring can be stressful. It is important to let your employer know about your situation.

Many employers already offer schemes to help carers. Some provide information on caring, facilities and support groups in the local area. Some have confidential counselling or welfare services. Others support informal networks of carers within their workplace. Here are a few things to consider:

  • find out your employer's policy on carers (whether it's formal or otherwise)
  • ask about flexible working opportunities. This could mean a change in hours, working part-time or from home

Support options your employer may be able to offer include:

  • Flexible working
  • Leave arrangements
  • A right to time off for emergencies
  • Access to information and advice
  • Parental leave
  • Flexible working

Returning to work

It is an objective of the Government to help carers who are unable to combine paid work with caring to return to work. This may be full-time or part time work.

You may want to:

  • return to work when a period of caring has come to an end
  • return, or start working, while still caring for somebody

If you've been caring for someone for a while, you may find it difficult to return to paid employment. You may have lost a bit of confidence and feel out of touch with the world of work.

However, whilst being a carer you will have learnt new skills that may be of benefit to many potential employers. Indeed, some employers actively recruit carers who gave up work and now wish to return.

You need to take into account any additional costs you may be responsible for as a result of going into paid employment, for example, additional help at home.

Ways into employment

If there isn't a job waiting for you there are several options:

  • you could begin by talking to others who have been in a similar position or organisations that can give advice
  • speak to an Employment Advisor at the local Jobcentre Plus Office. They may be able to give advice on training opportunities

Useful contacts

Carers UK
Carers UK can also provide useful information and advice on employment issues.
Tel 0808 808 7777, or on
Tel 020 7490 8818
Fax 020 7490 8818
Website www.carersonline.org.uk

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS)
Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London SE1 1LW
Tel 08457 474747
Textphone 08456 061600
Website www.acas.org.uk

ACAS offers a free advice service to employers and employees.

Daycare Trust
21 St George's Road
London SE1 6ES
Tel 020 7840 3350
Website www.daycaretrust.org.uk

Information on daycare for children

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Tel 020 7215 5000 (general enquiries)
Website www.dti.gov.uk

The DTI can provide information sheets on flexible working and employment rights.