Working Families has launched a campaign calling for changes from government, local authorities, employers and support services to help parents of disabled children combine work and care.
The Working On campaign’s proposals include:
- A new form of adjustment leave to give parents short-term time off work during a disability diagnosis or crisis.
- More flexible-working opportunities.
- Addressing the gaps in and expense of specialist childcare provision.
- Ensuring schools have resources to deal with emergencies so parents are not unnecessarily called in.
Sarah Jackson (pictured), chief executive of Working Families, said: “Our survey last year found alarming rates of unemployment and underemployment among parents of disabled children.
“Yet most of these parents want to work, so we’re campaigning to ensure that they get the support they need to find, stay and progress in work.
“Working On will raise awareness of the barriers these parents face, and propose a number of practical changes to support parents to stay in work.”
