Parents and carers demand more support so they can stay in work

Nearly a fifth of parents and other staff with caring duties have had to quit their jobs, according to new research.

Nearly half (47%) the survey respondents say they think employers discriminate against employees who are responsible for looking after loved ones. More than three quarters (78%) also believe that staying in a job is harder for carers or parents.

The findings are based on results from nearly 3,000 respondents across the UK, including employees with caring responsibilities who have either looked after an adult or are a parent, including those with disabled children.

More than three quarters (76%) of carers and parents have been forced to make changes to their careers, according to the survey. Of those who’ve had to do this, some have quit altogether (17%), others have taken unpaid leave (32%), or an hourly pay cut (9%).

More than one in ten (14%) carers or parents say they have been turned down for promotion, or decided not to ask for a more senior role.

The vast majority (95%) of people who responded to the survey want employers to do more to help carers balance their job responsibilities with their duties outside work. The same number want the government to provide more support, such as paid care leave or career breaks with a guarantee of being able to return.

UNISON has also been calling on the government to introduce 10 days a year of paid carer’s leave, the right to up to a year of unpaid leave for carers, free resources and training to support employers.

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