Connect with other carers: carersuk.org/forum
feel I might have to give up my job.
The support my organisation has given me
as a carer makes me more committed to
them. Speaking to family, friends and other
carers, I know that not all employers are
that sympathetic. I appreciate how lucky we
are and it makes us feel that we are able to
look after Amber as best as we can. There
have been some dark moments with Amber
and just knowing that I can take a paid day’s
leave to be with her makes all the difference.
It feels like a bit of good luck in a sea of bad
luck.
Chris McDermott, Financial
Ombudsman Service, Chief
Operating Officer and sponsor of
their carers’ network
We want to make our workplace as
inclusive as possible and, while we’re
proud of our diversity, we know we
can do more in some areas. Being a
member of Employers for Carers allows
us to understand the impact caring can
have.
As a growing number of people have
caring responsibilities, it’s important we
enable colleagues to do their caring role
alongside their work. It gives people
peace of mind to know that if they need
support, they will get it, and it’s good
business sense as it helps us to retain
great people who we’ve invested in.
We listen to our people and learn from
other organisations, which has helped
us design both our carers’ policy and
our carer passport in collaboration with
our carers’ network members.
Our new carers’ policy explains
who might be considered a carer,
what support is available and the
responsibilities of our employees and
managers. Now our carers can take up
to five days of carers’ leave.
Carer Positive
Carers Scotland operates an award
scheme to recognise employers in
Scotland who support working carers. The
Carer Positive scheme, supported by the
Scottish Government, raises awareness
of the growing number of working carers
in Scotland and supports employers
to develop carer-friendly workplaces.
There are almost 300,000 employees
across Scotland, who are now working in
organisations recognised as Carer Positive
employers.
@carersuk
/carersuk
We have also helped staff set up our
carers’ network. As well as being a
support group, for people with caring
responsibilities, like Scott, it also
highlights the needs of carers to others
in the organisation who may not be
caring.
Now, our people, at all levels, better
understand carers’ needs and what
we’re trying to achieve with our
package of support for carers.
9