The government has called for better support of staff who balance their job with caring for an older or disabled individual.
Business and charity leaders have all backed the calls, with six government departments signing an agreement with Employers for Carers on how they can promote and encourage support for carers in the workplace.
The Department of Health has revealed new guidance will offer employers advice on such issues, while action will also be taken to raise employee awareness on their right to request flexible working.
The move has been taken with the belief that it is important businesses retain experienced staff as the country enters a period of recovery following the recession, with one in seven working Britons believed to have a caring responsibility.
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It is believed this figure will only increase, with the number of people needing care predicted to double in the next 20 years.
Care services minister Phil Hope said: "Support like flexible working and short-term emergency leave can help carers stay in work, retaining their experience in the workforce."
Elsewhere, Rethink recently urged employers and line managers that they have an important role in removing the stigma associated with mental health issues in the workplace.
Posted by Ross George
