CIPD: Many workers may be carers

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has revealed that many workers in the UK are as likely to have caring responsibilities for a partner, relative or friend as they are for children.

As a result, the group has highlighted there is a growing demand for flexible working policies to be introduced.

The Focus on Caring at Work report revealed 34 per cent of employees have some form of caring responsibility, with 20 per cent stating these charges were their children, while 12 per cent cited a relative, six per cent their partner and two per cent a friend.

Meanwhile, 36 per cent of women revealed they have a responsibility for caring for someone, compared to 33 per cent of men.

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Ben Willmott, CIPD senior public policy adviser, said: “This is why the CIPD is calling for the right to request flexible working to be extended to all employees, rather than just parents, by 2013.”

Elsewhere, the Department of Health recently issued new guidelines to be used by employers in supporting the carers who work for them.

Posted by Cameron Thomson