This Thursday 24 November is Carers Rights Day and Dorset Council is encouraging local employers to support the one in seven people in the UK who have caring responsibilities.

Carers who work already have legal rights including time off for unexpected problems with the person they care for, to request flexible working if they have worked for their employer for 26 consecutive weeks, and not to be discriminated against as a result of their caring role and association with a disabled person.

In addition to actively supporting these legal rights, Dorset Council has developed new guidance with its network of employees who are carers, to grow understanding of caring roles, help managers have honest conversations with employees who are carers, and to ensure employees understand the support available.

Cllr Peter Wharf, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Heath, said: “Carers play a vital role in helping people maintain a more independent life, with care where they need it. Eleven per cent of our residents are already carers and, while caring responsibilities cross all ages, many more working age people will take on this responsibility as our population gets older. This new guidance is one way we can start to future proof our organisation as Dorset’s demographic evolves.”

Cllr Jill Haynes, portfolio holder for Corporate Development and Transformation, said: “It is vital as an employer of choice we recognise the pressures our people face outside their job with us. This new guidance builds on our long standing commitment to valuing and retaining our employees and I urge other employers to explore how they too can support their employees who are carers and our wider communities.”

The new guidance can be found at https://news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/employers-urged-to-join-us-on-carers-rights-day.

All people who provide care for others unpaid are urged to register with Carer Support Dorset, a service commissioned by Dorset Council to help carers access services, information, education and training, respite, and breaks from their caring role. Visit www.carersupportdorset.co.uk or freephone 0800 368 8349.