Coventry and Warwickshire carers recognising their rights in workplace
Carers Trust Heart of England is helping carers understand their rights in the workplace on Carers Rights Day 2024
Carers Trust Heart of England is urging UK employers to recognise the rights of carers in the workplace.
Many carers in Coventry and Warwickshire are said to be struggling to balance work with their unpaid caregiving roles.
Local carers feel that businesses have an important role to play in supporting their role on a day-to-day basis.
Sarah Wakeman is the Fundraising and Business Development Manager at Carers Trust Heart of England.
Sarah said: “Working carers contribute immense value to the workplace, but they need support to balance their roles.”
Under UK law, carers have the right to flexible working arrangements, time off in emergencies and access to financial and support entitlements.
Despite legal protections some carers face limited flexibility or a lack of understanding from their employers.
This can cause carers to reduce their working hours or leave their jobs which can cause financial strains.
Harvelee Mcilhone is a young adult carer from Coventry.
He says he feels supported by his workplace who provide flexibility around his caring role however he wants there to be more awareness on their rights.
Harvelee said: “This Carers Rights Day I hope that I hope that our rights made are made aware of in workplaces, especially for young adult carers like me.
“I hope to see more businesses and companies spreading awareness and taking the bigger step to ask if someone needs to be accommodated for.
“Whether that’s being more lenient with certain things, or just simply acknowledging that they are caring for someone.”
Carers Trust Heart of England are holding information sessions for carers of all ages to recognise their rights in relation to education, healthcare and the workplace.