30% of staff with caring tasks lack support from their employers

Three in ten (30%) of employees that having caring responsibilities believe that they may have to quit their job due to unsupportive employers.

The research of, surveyed between 15 - 19 May 2020, found that 33% of care workers aged 18-34 are the most likely age group to feel they wouldn’t receive the flexibility and support they needed from their employer.

Just under half (43%) of care workers would struggle to afford giving up work to care for a loved one, while 19% would go part-time rather than stopping work entirely.

Two in five (40%) of UK care workers believe that a flexible working routine could help them handle caring responsibilities, while 20% would quit the job to focus on caring full time.

Additionally, 59% have said that they would consider more flexible working hours as a fair benefit to receive, a benefit offered to 65% people in the UK.

Andy Briggs, chief executive at Phoenix Group said: “It is a deep concern that working carers feel so unsupported by employers that they may have to quit their jobs in the future. Regardless of the time spent working for a business, many employee believe they wouldn’t be able to juggle work and take on caring responsibilities given the lack of support available from businesses.

“The vast majority of employed carers want to remain in the workforce, but they need more flexibility and support to enable them to do so. In the current economic environment, it is a worry that people feel they may be forced to stop work and give up their income.

“During the pandemic, we have all seen the important role that those who care for others play and we should not lose sight of that. In light of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) it is more important than ever that business leaders embrace greater flexibility around working hours and put solid support in place for employed carers. Introducing statutory carers leave will be a positive step towards helping those who struggle daily with the demands of choosing between financial stability and caring for loved ones. I urge the Government to accelerate legislation for 5 days annual Carers Leave and for those employers who can, to make it paid leave.”