In a recent study by Carer Support Wiltshire, half of all carers of a working age would like to increase the amount they work. 64% of those wanting to increase the amount they work were currently not taking steps to improve their situation, mainly because of their current emotional state, but also partly because of a lack of knowledge.
Two thirds of those wanting to increase the amount they work cited their caring role as the main barrier to employment. The lack of access to affordable care (for adults and children, including for children in the family without long term conditions) was commented on by many, and it is clear that support in how to find and access care, including funding for care, needs to be part of the Pathways To Work service which Carer Support Wiltshire is seeking to develop.
In terms of other areas of support needed by carers wishing to work more, this included:
- advice on careers and training
- help via telephone and email in CV writing and job hunting
- support groups to help with job hunting, application and interview skills
- access to computer skills courses
- volunteering and placement opportunities
- help with setting up and marketing your own business
This last area of support might also be useful to some carers who want to reduce the amount they work and who currently run their own business, where taking on an employee is seen as a barrier.
About 38% of carers of working age surveyed are currently not engaging in any paid work. A significant minority of carers, 16% of those responding, would like to reduce the amount they work, to improve their work life balance or devote more time to caring. Whilst not being able to do without the money is the main barrier for many in this situation, a quarter also feel that their job would be at risk if they requested a reduction in hours. This reality further illustrates the need for Working For Carers, to make employers more carer aware and carer friendly in their employment policies.
To find out about Working For Carers click here.
You can see the full results of our survey here: Survey of carers of working age 201601 report
