If you are trying to balance caring with paid employment, you have rights that should be respected

The main right for most employees is the right to request flexible working, such as to work from home or change your hours.  Your employer does not have to accept these requests, but they must consider them. Their response may depend on the type of work you do and the needs of the business.

All employees have the right to unpaid time off in an emergency and Carers cannot legally be discriminated against.  Your employer may have a HR/personnel department and there may be a trade union that can also advise you on your rights.

We are also working with employers to make them more aware and flexible towards Carers and encourage them to sign up for the Carer Friendly Employer Accreditation Scheme.

Useful Guides

• Carers UK - Looking after someone
• Carers UK: Getting Support at Work
• The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS): Making a flexible working request
• Barclay Card: Lets talk about flexible working