Carers UK are partnering with Barclays LifeSkills to help those over 50 remain in work, many of whom may be struggling to juggle work with caring responsibilities.

As the UK’s population grows older and more people continue in employment into later life, juggling work and care will become more prevalent, it’s essential for employers to create accommodating workplaces that enable those who are working and caring to balance both.

This partnership will help Carers UK raise awareness of the challenges that individuals face; help support working carers to stay in employment; and work with employers to create more carer friendly workplaces.

Barclays LifeSkills was developed in 2013 and this new three-year partnership with Carers UK will help more carers join the 9.4 million people who have already benefitted from developing the skills to thrive in the workplace.

Feeling confident to approach topics such as flexible working can help carers stay in work for longer, whilst acknowledging that small changes to their working pattern can help them in their caring responsibilities. Together, Carers UK and Barclays LifeSkills will develop a guide for carers on how to talk with their employers about flexible working and increase its uptake by those that would most benefit. This will be combined with creating tailored support both online and by telephone regarding employment issues.

Additionally, the partnership will mean that more employers will understand the benefit of developing a carer friendly work environment, supporting those employees who are carers and keeping them in employment for longer. With 600 carers leaving the workplace every day there is a substantial impact on the carer’s physical, mental and financial health, but there is also a negative impact on the business, with a loss of skills and knowledge from the workplace.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

“With our ageing population and more people having to take on caring responsibilities for friends and family members, there is a fast-growing need for employers to support staff who are caring.

"600 people give up work to care for someone every day. We know the impact this has on their physical, mental and financial health which is why we are delighted to be working with Barclays LifeSkills to help keep more carers aged 50 plus in work for longer.”

Carers UK are also excited that Barclays LifeSkills will be headline supporter for Carers Rights Day throughout the partnership. Colleagues across the UK will be taking part in events and volunteering for Carers Rights Day, Carers Week and throughout the year.

Source: Carers UK