The following contacts and resources may be helpful:
ACAS
The ACAS helpline is for anyone who needs employment law or workplace advice, including employers, employees and workers. Contact for confidential, free advice on any work-related problem or question you have, what the law says and how it relates to you, good practice at work, your options, including any risks and benefits.
0300 123 1100 / Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm / www.acas.org.uk
Equality Advisory and Support Service
A useful resource if the carer has issues relating to discrimination or protected characteristics. They offer advice and assist individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights.
0808 800 0082 (textphone 0808 800 0084) / Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 2pm / www.equalityadvisoryservice.com
Carers UK
Carers UK is the main membership charity in the United Kingdom for carers.
0808 808 7777 / Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm (hours may vary)
www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/work-and-career
Working Families
The UK’s national charity for working parents and carers.
0300 012 0312 / Monday to Friday, 11am to 2pm (except bank holidays) / www.workingfamilies.org.uk
Macmillan
Macmillan have some useful guides if you are working whilst caring for someone with cancer. The ‘Working while caring for someone with cancer’ booklet and the ‘Questions for carers to ask about work and cancer’ booklet can be found on their website at www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/stories-and-media/booklets
Carers UK’s Digital Resource for Carers
Carers UK and NHS England have teamed up to provide unpaid carers in England with information, support, and advice.
The online platform is packed with e-learning, factsheets, guides and tools to help carers manage their caring responsibilities. It covers areas such as health and wellbeing, practical support for carers, help with finances, and information on carers’ rights – including rights at work. Carers can also find out how technology and home adaptations can help with caring and also get free access to the Jointly app.
Resources specifically around employment include:
- Supporting carers at work – a carer’s guide: a guide designed to help carers cope with the pressures of work and care.
- Requesting flexible working: a step-by-step guide to flexible working and how to make a request.
- Seeking support: Discusses the range of support both in and out of the workplace, and the different levels of support needed at different times.
- Thinking of leaving work: A quick guide exploring the options carers have if you are thinking of leaving work.
Create an account at https://carersdigital.org/
Using the Free Access Code DPCN9987
