Both the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) and leading charity Carers UK have expressed disappointment with the government’s legal definition of ‘carer’ and are urging companies to go beyond the legal requirements.
The legislation, which forms part of the Work and Families Act, does not come into force until April 2007 but is set to benefit 2.6 million carers and has been welcomed by both the EOC and Carers UK.
Imelda Redmond, chief executive of Carers UK, says: “This new right will enable carers to better juggle work with their caring role and is a welcome recognition from government that giving carers rights in the workplace is not only good for carers and society, but has clear business benefits for employers.
“Carers UK had called for the government to include all carers in this legislation, and under this definition some carers will still lose out. However, we hope that employers will take the opportunity to cover all carers in their policies.”
Jenny Watson, chairman of the EOC said: “We welcome the government’s extension of the right to request flexible working to carers.
“EOC research shows that one in five carers has had to turn down a job because of the difficulties of combining work with care. Giving carers the right to request flexible working will help millions of people to provide vital help to loved ones while staying in work.
“It is disappointing that the government has not extended this right to all carers, but limited it to those living in the same house or being close relatives.
“The government estimates that 1 in 5 carers will be excluded from the right to request flexible working. The support provided by wider family members, friends and neighbours is just as important and we urge the government to ensure that these carers are not overlooked.”
It is estimated that some 3 million people combine caring with paid work – and it is expected that a further 3 million will combine the dual roles over the next 30 years due to demographic changes and an increasing number of disabled people.
Parents of children under the age of six, or under the age of 18 if they have a disability, have had the right to request flexible working since 2003. Employers have accepted 90 per cent of requests.
