Worcestershire County Council has signed up to the Working for Carers Charter.

The accreditation recognises a commitment to creating a carer-aware workplace. This means WCC is committed to recognising and understanding the needs of carers in the workforce, by supporting staff who are carers at home.

3 in 5 people become carers at some stage of their lives and many must juggle their role with a job and 1 in 7 members of the workforce is a working carer. Carers can often feel burn out and stressed as finding time to take a break can be impossible for those with caring responsibilities.

Supporting the carers in the workforce is good for the employees and it's good for business. It is important to recognise how caring for a loved one impacts on our employees lives and how we can help people continue in employment. Providing support at work improves morale, staff retention, reduces absenteeism and increases productivity.

In signing up to the Charter, WCC is promising to implement several policies;

Ensure all line managers are familiar with carers’ legal rights at work and all internal policies and/or resources which may benefit them

Provide appropriate support, in line with individual preferences and needs.

Not make assumptions about capability based on caring responsibilities.

Where possible, incorporate a flexible approach to job design and workload management.

Encourage equality and diversity in our workforce by demonstrating a positive attitude to job applicants with caring responsibilities.

Councillor Adrian Hardman Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care said; “As one of Worcestershire’s largest employers, we want to ensure that our staff who have caring responsibilities, get appropriate support when required. Our aim to support carers in their caring roles where appropriate and help ease some of the pressure they face. Becoming an accredited employer means we are able to appropriately support carers throughout the organisation.”

Worcestershire County Council invests funding in a range of services to support carers, including a carers hub, which provides information, advice and support for carers at each stage of the caring journey.