Support for carers

If you are in full-time or part-time employment whilst also being a carer to somebody, you are likely to need support in your workplace.

You may need different types of support at different times. For example, you may need access to a phone so you can check on the person you care for, or you may need to arrange time off when someone is coming out of hospital.

More employers now realise the benefits of supporting carers.

Your rights

By law, carers have important rights in the workplace. There is a formal procedure for employees and employers to follow, which sets out the rights and responsibilities of both.

You should speak with your employer about options available if you think you could benefit from arrangements such as:

• special leave – go to unpaid carer's leave
• flexible working
• compressed hours
• term-time working

Advice and support

In Thurrock, each GOV.UK: JobCentre Plus has work coaches who can help you find and stay in employment – go to GOV.UK: Find your nearest JobCentre Plus

Carers UK provides information and advice on rights for carers in work. Go to Carers UK: work and careers.