Every day, millions of unpaid carers quietly make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others. Whether supporting a partner, parent, child, sibling, friend or neighbour, carers dedicate their time, energy, patience and compassion to helping those they love live safely, comfortably and with dignity.
During this year’s Carers Week (8th - 14th June), themed 'Building Carer Friendly Communities', it is important that we recognise not only the invaluable role carers play within our communities, but also the challenges they often face — particularly when it comes to employment, wellbeing and balancing responsibilities.
Navigating the Challenges of Employment
Carers are at the heart of our communities. They provide emotional support, practical help, advocacy and stability, often while managing their own personal, financial and emotional pressures.
Many carers juggle caring responsibilities alongside work, education or family life, while others are forced to step away from employment entirely because the right support simply is not available.
Despite the vital contribution carers make, too many still experience barriers when trying to enter, remain in or return to employment. Balancing caring responsibilities with rigid working patterns, limited flexibility and a lack of understanding can leave carers feeling isolated and excluded from opportunities that many others take for granted.
This is why creating carer friendly communities and workplaces matters so much.
How Going Forward into Employment Can Help?
We recognise that carers bring valuable skills, resilience, empathy, organisation and dedication into the workplace. We are committed to reducing the barriers carers face by creating a more supportive and inclusive pathway into employment. We understand that every carer’s situation is different, and support should reflect individual needs and circumstances.
Through flexible and person-centred approaches, Going Forward into Employment helps carer’s access opportunities that work around their responsibilities rather than forcing them to choose between caring and employment. This can include:
- Flexible working arrangements that support work-life balance.
- Understanding and supportive communication throughout the employment journey.
- Access to Carers Passports to help individuals communicate their needs and responsibilities within the workplace.
- Encouraging employers to create more compassionate and inclusive working environments.
- Supporting confidence building, skills development and progression into sustainable employment
Creating a Culture of Understanding
A truly carer friendly workplace is one where carers feel seen, valued and supported without fear of judgement. Small changes can make a significant difference; whether that is offering flexible hours, hybrid working, wellbeing support or simply fostering a culture of understanding and empathy.
Building carer friendly communities is everyone’s responsibility. By recognising carers, listening to their experiences and creating inclusive opportunities, we can help ensure carers are not excluded from employment, education, social connection or personal aspirations because of the support they provide to others.
'I'm more certain about the future. Before I got the job, I was in a ridiculously dark place, didn't know what I was going to do. I felt like I trained in college for absolutely nothing. I didn't even know where my career was going to go. Now I understand. I know where I'm at and what I can achieve and where I can go. The opportunities are endless here'.
Ryan, Department for Work and Pensions
Looking Ahead This Carers Week
This Carers Week, we celebrate carers for the incredible contribution they make every single day. Their compassion strengthens families, communities and society as a whole. Going Forward into Employment, we remain committed to helping carers access the opportunities, flexibility and support they deserve so they can thrive both personally and professionally.
Together, we can build communities and workplaces where carers are recognised, respected and supported - not just during Carers Week, but every day of the year.
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