1. Supporting working carers
Emily Holzhausen OBE
Director of Policy and Public Affairs
Carers UK

2. Carers in the UK

3. Carers count
Ageing population and workforce + changing family structures = more people working and caring (+ for longer)
By 2037 the number of UK carers could increase by 50% to 9.1 million or 1 in 6 in any workplace
The peak age for caring is when many employees will have gained valuable knowledge and experience at work
Working carers also develop additional skills which add value to their contribution at work
Every day 6,000 people become carers

4. From stats into practice:
Whole population experience – whole population approach
Private matter often, at times confidential
Segmentation of workforce – more likely groups, but avoiding prejudice
Churn of population means repeating messages – as some will hear it for the first time
Prevention is key and starting in the workplace matters
Links with community support, advice and information also matters

5. What practice exists?
Employers for Carers: since 2008, employer led. Self-sustaining model
Employers for Carers Umbrella model: for local authorities, partners and SMEs
Employment pilots – 9 different models e.g. Bury and Sefton
Research with LA carers’ leads – Care Act 2014 offered an opportunity to increase work on carers and employment
Integrating work of employers is delivery of s. 1, s. 2, s. 3, s. 4 of the Care Act 2014 – from well-being to sufficiency of supply of care services locally
Carers Strategies locally
Health and Wellbeing Boards, JSNAs e.g. Surrey

6. Employers for Carers Our membership forum Employers for Carers:
Chaired by British Gas/Centrica
Supported by the specialist knowledge of Carers UK
supports employers to develop carer friendly workplaces
promotes the business benefits of supporting carers
influences employment policy and practice
maintains a Leadership Group committed to working with Government

7. How we help
Policies - Reviewing existing policies to include caring and carers - Developing a specific carers policy (e.g. Sainsbury’s)
Promotion - Awareness raising activities (e.g. Carers Week) - Identifying champions and role models
- Link to advice and information
Practice - Flexible working and special leave - Training and e-learning for managers and staff - Practical support for carers (e.g. EAPs)
Peer support - Supporting workplace carers networks (including online)
Evidence and leadership
- Primary and secondary research and evidence

8. The business benefits
Recruitment - Widening the workforce and talent pool
Retention - Keeping skills and experience
Resilience - Improving productivity and performance
Results - Improved health and wellbeing for families, workplaces and the wider economy
Far from compromising business objectives, research shows that providing a supportive working environment using a flexible approach helps deliver business result
(can add: reducing recruitment and training costs; sick leave, increased resilience and productivity through reduced stress

9. Business case examples
Improved retention
Reduced costs
Centrica estimates potential costs savings of £2.5m through increased staff retention and £4.5m through reduced unplanned absenteeism
Reduced staff turnover
Listawood (SME) While only 56% of employees felt their pay was competitive compared with other local employers, 97% felt they offered better work life balance
Improved resilience and results
Reduced stress and absenteeism
BT achieved a productivity increase of 21% a year, at least £5 million on the bottom line

10. New Carers Strategy
Statement: 1 July 2015 by Sec of State
Employment features as a key issue with Sec of State
Talking about caring in the workplace should become as normal as talking about caring for a child
Strategy is one of Care Minister’s 5 key priorities.
Forthcoming Carers Strategy will have an element that will focus on carers and employment
Fuller Working Lives Strategy links back to the future Carers Strategy
Related benefits and welfare policies: Recent change to the earnings limit on Carer’s Allowance to £116 in April 2017
Gradual roll-out of Universal Credit and “flexing” around work
Publication in “Spring”
Carers UK campaign for paid care leave of 5-10 days

11. Carers UK’s work going forward:
Increased regional coverage of Employers for Carers umbrella model in 10 more sites across England.
Growing network of supportive employers.
Supporting a growing network of carers networks.
Continue our research and evidence programme with carers and employers – focussing on caring in later life.
Continue campaigns on carers’ rights in the workplace.
Keep carers at the centre of evidence and experience.
Key dates:
Carers Week 2017 – 12 to 18th June 2017 – carer friendly employers:
Pledge, sign up for an activity, carers can recommend carer friendly employers
State of Caring 2017 conference on 13 July 2017
For professionals
Carers Rights Day 2017 – November

12. #carerfriendlycommunities
Contacts:
@carersuk
@carersweek
#carerfriendlycommunities
Carersuk.org
Carersweek.org
Employersforcarers.org