Supporting working carers
Research exploring the experiences of working carers in England and Wales, produced in collaboration with Sheffield University
Research exploring the experiences of working carers in England and Wales, produced in collaboration with Sheffield University
With an estimated 3.7 million working carers in England and Wales, a growing number of people are playing a dual role in balancing their jobs with their caring responsibilities. This came into sharp focus in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted working lives, exposing the support needs of those who require constant care.
This report, commissioned by the CIPD in the early days of the pandemic and written by the University of Sheffield, examines how working carers combine their caring responsibilities with paid employment, and the difference employers can make by supporting them. Here, we define a carer as someone who helps or looks after a family member or friend who needs care and support as a result of old age, physical illness, disability, mental health problems or addiction.
While this report is based on UK research, the broader implications should be of interest wherever you are based.
Download the full report to examine the in-depth findings and recommendations to help you lay the foundations for a carer-friendly workplace.
Under the Sustainable Care: Connecting people and systems programme, the CIPD and University of Sheffield conducted a survey of 970 unpaid carers in employment – the first representative survey of working carers in England and Wales.
The report addresses three research questions:
Some of the key findings include:
In addition to the research report, we recommend employers follow our supplementary guidance to put in place proper, sustained support for working carers going forward.
Please note, the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 came into force on 4 December 2023 and makes provisions for employees who balance work with caring responsibilities. Carers are now entitled to at least one week’s unpaid leave within any 12-month period, to care for, or arrange care for, a dependant with long-term care needs. This is a day one employment right. More information can be found in our guide.
Case study
Case study on the impact of Nationwide’s carer-friendly practices
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