Businesses called upon to provide dementia-friendly workplaces

Employers across England have been urged to adapt their working environments to support the increasing numbers affected by dementia.

A new campaign has been launched by Public Health England and Alzheimer's Society highlighting figures from the Centre for Economics and Business Research suggesting that by 2030, dementia caring obligations will cost companies more than three billion pounds.

The rising number of dementia patients nationwide is leading more workers to have to reduce their hours, change working patterns or even quit their posts due to the demands of caring.

So far, more than 20 major businesses have already signed up and are committed to supporting staff and customers with dementia, with one in 12 firms across England having made attempts to accommodate the needs of a member of staff with dementia.

Duncan Selbie, chief executive of Public Health England, said: "It is encouraging to see that so many businesses are willing to make changes to accommodate those living with and caring for people with dementia."

Currently affecting about 800,000 people in the UK, dementia is becoming increasingly widespread as the population ages. The number of people with dementia is expected to rise to 1.09 million by 2030.