More than two in five working carers in the UK say they would not have a job if flexible working options were not available, according to new research which shows that 41 percent of working carers depend on flexibility – a higher proportion than the 31 percent seen among the wider workforce.
The research, conducted ahead of Carers Week by long-term savings and retirement business Phoenix Group, also reveals that almost two thirds (65%) of working carers would consider changing jobs if their employer restricted flexible hours. Further findings show that 55 percent of working carers would start looking for a new job if home working policies were scrapped, compared to 47 percent of the general workforce.
Carers UK estimates there are over 5 million unpaid carers in England and Wales, and approximately 0.8 million in Scotland. Phoenix Group’s analysis indicates that on flexibility is essential for them in order to maintain employment, especially as more than 600 people reportedly leave the workforce each day to care for older or disabled relatives.
Impact of flexible work on financial security
The research notes financial challenges faced by carers, noting that 47 percent of working carers have no private pension savings by the time they reach 60 to 65 years old. Among those with pension savings, carers have 17 percent less than the UK average, representing a gap of almost £37,000.
Claire Hawkins, director of corporate affairs and brand at Phoenix Group and executive sponsor of its Carers Network, said businesses need to do more to support employees who are carers.
“For millions of people, balancing paid work and caring for a loved one is a challenging reality,” she said. “Too many carers are put in the unenviable position of having to choose between staying in work or caring for a loved one. That’s why it’s so important for businesses, who can benefit hugely from carers’ skills and experience, to recognise the need to enable them to work flexibly. Better access to flexible work, and the provision of paid carer’s leave, is crucial in enabling carers to remain in work for as long as they want to, so they can earn and save enough for their future.”
The study found that 37 percent of working carers have had a request for flexible working refused, compared to just 20 percent of the wider workforce. Despite this, 62 percent of working carers said they would be unable to meet their caring commitments without flexible work arrangements. Additionally, 62 percent reported higher productivity when working from home and 68 percent when working flexible hours.
Policy support and employer responsibility
Phoenix Insights, Phoenix Group’s longevity think tank, previously found that 59 percent of full-time working carers would return to work or increase their hours if the right support were in place. This suggests that flexible working policies, combined with other support measures, could enable more carers to participate in the workforce.
The research shows broad support for making flexible work a statutory right. Nearly 71 percent of working carers said the government should mandate flexible work for all employees, compared to 62 percent of the wider workforce.
Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, stated, “Having a carer-friendly employer with great flexible working can be a game-changer for unpaid carers, helping them to juggle work and unpaid care for disabled, older or ill relatives or friends. Staying in work helps avoid financial hardship in the short and longer term. It’s a win-win for carers and for employers who retain talent, which is good for productivity and for the economy.”
Kirsty McHugh, chief executive of Carers Trust, added that carers have a wealth of skills and experience that employers can benefit from.
“Sadly, too many are left with no choice but to cut back their hours or leave the workforce altogether because of their caring responsibilities,” McHugh added. “This not only limits their career growth but also means businesses miss out on dedicated, talented staff.”
