Report highlights need for better support for working carers

The government has published a new report that underlines the potentially widespread benefits of introducing greater support for working carers in the UK.

Currently, there are more than three million British employees who balance their work commitments with family caring responsibilities, but more needs to be done by businesses to make it easier for them to juggle these duties.

The Carers UK-backed study recommended that employers renew their commitment to flexible working and actively promote the benefits of this approach, while ensuring their policies and procedures are fit to deal with the UK’s growing care responsibilities.

Local authorities have also been encouraged to support the development of a care market that offers more flexible and affordable services to enable carers to stay in work.

It is thought that this will improve staff productivity and retention, reduce sick leave and absenteeism rates and save taxpayers 1.3 billion pounds a year.

Care and support minister Norman Lamb said: "This report is a landmark statement from business and the government that more can and should be done to support working carers."

The analysis included evidence gathered from an expert steering group, a wider reference group and the business community, as well as examining policies implemented in some European countries.