Protecting the jobs of the unpaid carers

Millions of unpaid carers across the UK are at serious risk of being forced out of employment because of a lack of flexible working opportunities. Two in five (41%) of working carers reveal the harsh reality is that they would not be able to remain in employment without the ability to work flexibly — a figure significantly higher than the national average of almost a third (31%).

Despite this overwhelming need, many carers are being left behind, with more than a third (37%) reporting their request for flexible hours has been rejected by employers. In some cases, this has forced them to consider leaving their jobs, entirely undermining their financial security, career prospects, and ability to save for retirement.

Phoenix Group’s report shows that 65% of working carers would need to look for a new job if their employer restricted flexible hours, and the impact on recruitment is also stark.

Ros spoke to Claire Hawkins, Phoenix Group and executive sponsor of the company’s Carer Network.

Photo by Glenn Carstens Peter on Unsplash