Many carers balance their caring responsibilities alongside paid employment. While this can be rewarding, it can also bring challenges as you juggle work, family life and caring commitments.
Whether you are currently working, looking for employment, returning to work after a break, or considering retirement, support and advice are available to help you make informed decisions and maintain your wellbeing.
Your Rights at Work
If you are an unpaid carer, you have legal rights designed to help you balance work and caring responsibilities.
These include:
- The right to request flexible working from your first day of employment, including changes to your hours, working pattern or place of work.
- Up to one week of unpaid Carer’s Leave each year to provide or arrange care for someone with a long-term care need. This right is available from the first day of employment.
- The right to reasonable unpaid time off for emergencies involving a dependant, such as a breakdown in care arrangements or a sudden illness.
- Protection from discrimination because of your caring responsibilities. In some circumstances, carers are protected under equality legislation where they are associated with a disabled person.
Understanding your rights can help you have open and positive conversations with your employer about the support you may need. Many organisations also have workplace policies and employee support programmes that offer additional flexibility beyond the legal minimum.
Looking for Work or Returning to Employment
Many carers want to return to work, increase their hours, or explore new employment opportunities once their caring circumstances change.
Support is available to help you:
- Understand how work may affect your benefits and finances
- Build confidence and prepare for employment
- Explore training and development opportunities
- Connect with employers who understand the needs of carers
- Identify flexible working opportunities
Before making decisions about work, it can be helpful to seek advice about the financial impact on your household income and any benefits you receive.
Supporting Carers in Employment
Balancing work and caring responsibilities can sometimes feel overwhelming. It is important to remember that you do not have to manage everything alone.
Many carers benefit from:
- Flexible working arrangements
- Supportive line managers and colleagues
- Employee wellbeing services
- Workplace carer networks
- Access to emotional wellbeing and mental health support
If caring is affecting your mental health, wellbeing or ability to cope, support is available through local health and wellbeing services.
Creating Carer-Friendly Workplaces
Employers have an important role to play in supporting unpaid carers.
Carer-friendly workplaces help employees balance their caring responsibilities by promoting understanding, flexibility and wellbeing. By recognising carers and supporting them to remain in work, employers can retain valuable skills and experience while helping staff achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Thinking About Reducing Your Hours or Leaving Work
Some carers consider reducing their hours, changing jobs or leaving work altogether because of their caring responsibilities.
These decisions can have a significant impact on your finances, future pension entitlement, career opportunities and personal wellbeing. Before making any changes, it is worth seeking advice and exploring whether there are alternative sources of support that could help you remain in work if that is your preference.
How Caring in Devon Can Help
Caring in Devon can help you access information, advice and support to understand your options, manage the challenges of balancing work and care, and make decisions that are right for you and your family.
If you are considering returning to work, increasing your hours, changing employment or are concerned about how work may affect your finances and benefits, we can refer you to the Citizens Advice, Devon Advice Service for Working Age Carers (DASWAC). The service can provide personalised advice about employment, income and benefits, helping you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Whatever stage of your employment journey you are at, we are here to help you navigate caring alongside work.
To find out more or request a referral to DASWAC, contact the Caring in Devon Helpline 03456 434 435.