Employers For Wales Hub Launched
Carers Wales is calling for organisations to join a new membership programme called Employers for Carers – a service aimed at creating carer-friendly workplaces.
Backed by Welsh Government, the Wales Hub of Employers for Carers goes live this month and will deliver hands-on advice to employers on how to support the 180,000+ working carers in Wales, many of whom struggle to combine work with caring for friends or family members who are ill, frail or have a disability.
Claire Morgan, Director of Carers Wales says:
“We know that carers are incredibly reliable employees and how valued they are; we also recognise there are simple and effective practices that when implemented can bring significant benefits to both employer and employee. The reality is that the number of staff with caring responsibilities outside the workplace will grow rapidly over the coming years. Being prepared for such demands will ensure continuity and there is evidence to support that significant business benefits can also be appreciated.
We also know that the age when carers are most likely to be required by their dependents is 45-64; the age when that person has huge work experience. If organisations can learn to embrace the opportunities presented by working flexibly it can be truly transformational leading to the retention of highly skilled staff and a reduction in organisational costs.”
Huw Irranca-Davies, Minister for Children, Older People and Social Care says:
“We are delighted to fund such a great initiative. The Wales Hub of Employers for Carers will facilitate access to expert guidance and legal advice on setting up carer-friendly employment policies and will facilitate the exchange of best practice so organisations may learn from each other.
I would encourage all organisations, big or small, public, private or third sector to consider membership.
Employers must act now to address the challenges being faced by their workforce. The alternative is to risk a future that is unsustainable, both for society and economically."
Nick Speed from Centrica says:
“Centrica has been member of Employers for Carers for more than 10 years and we are an integral part of its leadership group. Adopting carer friendly policies and practices quite simply makes good business sense; having access to expert support through this new dedicated Hub in Wales will prove invaluable to our employees and their managers and Centrica is proud to be part of this.
Details on how to join can be found on the website www.employersforcarers.org/wales email: employers@carerswales.org or by calling 029 2081 1370
