New Research Highlights Problems Faced By Working Carers
As we highlighted in a previous article, Carers Rights Day 2023 will take place in a couple of weeks' time on the 23rd November 2023.
As in previous years, the event will highlight the issues faced by working carers amongst others, providing a vital platform for raising awareness in relation to the challenges they face, juggling employment responsibilities alongside their caring responsibilities.
It is important to recognize the significant role that working carers play in our society. They have the challenging task of balancing their employment commitments with caring for a family member or friend who may have a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition, or age-related needs. This dual responsibility can put a lot of strain on their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
As Carers Rights Day approaches, new research published by Unum UK has found that "21% of workers said they were in the ‘sandwich generation’, caring for both young children and ageing relatives." That equates to 6 million workers. Unum also found that 35% of these workers stated that their dual caring responsibilities had had an adverse impact upon their mental health, with 25% stating that it had had detrimental consequences for their physical health. Moreover, 29% indicated that it had negatively impacted their finances, and 13% confirmed that they had felt compelled to leave an unsupportive employer at some point in their working lives on account of their dual caring role
Finding a balance between work and caregiving duties is a constant challenge for working carers. The need to attend medical appointments, manage medications, and provide emotional support can disrupt their work schedules, resulting in increased stress and potential loss of productivity.
Many working carers experience financial difficulties due to reduced working hours or the need to leave employment altogether. The financial strain of caregiving can also impact their ability to handle personal matters and deal with family commitments.
Moreover, the act of providing care can have a detrimental impact on the emotional well-being of working carers. This can result in feelings of isolation, guilt, and anxiety. Furthermore, the absence of support and limited opportunities for breaks only worsens these difficulties.
New Legislation
Raising awareness through events like Carers Rights Day and Carers Week has contributed to significant changes in the law that have significantly improved the position of working carers. Most recently, the Carer’s Leave Act 2023 received Royal Assent on the 24th May 2023, which will provide working carers with 1 week’s unpaid leave per annum, once the legislation comes into force next year. Furthermore, the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 received Royal Assent on the 20th July 2023, which will provide working carers with the day 1 right to request flexible working when it also comes into force next year.
46% Of Employers Experience Post-Recruitment Regret
New research published by Reed has found that 46% of employers have experienced some form of regret after hiring a new member of staff. Moreover, in another survey, Reed found that 59% of employers stated that they wished they had asked different questions during the interview process.
Commenting upon the findings of the first survey, the Global Managing Director at Reed, Ian Nicholas, stated: "In this sensitive economic climate, businesses need to make sure the hires they are making are smart investments. Being prepared and confident when conducting interviews, therefore, is so vital. And while I would advise managers to not make hasty, rushed decisions, there remains a fine line to balance here, as if you take too long without keeping candidates in the loop during the hiring process, you may see potential talent going elsewhere."
In relation to the second survey, Hannah Abraham, a marketing executive at Reed, stated: "An interview is a two-way street. Ensuring that you leave time for the candidate to ask questions is not only key to providing a positive candidate experience, but it gives the candidate an opportunity to ask anything you may have missed. It also allows you to address any concerns or doubts that they may have. Remember, the questions that a candidate asks offer you even more insight into their motivations and personality."
