Dear Colleague

More working people are increasingly becoming carers for friends and families often with little help or support as they struggle with combining work and caring duties. UCU is developing guidance for branches and local associations on the rights of carers at work, the issues faced by carers and how to raise awareness and assist those members for whom caring is a daily part of their lives.  The guidance will be available in the New Year.

Are you a Carer?

We would like to hear from you if you have any examples of

1. a) good practice at your college or university
2. b) negotiated policies to take in the needs for carers or
3. c) whether you would like to share your experience of being a working carer or being cared for.  Any information shared will be in strict confidence.

Please contact Sharon Russell (srussell@ucu.org.uk) for further information.

Notes:

1. 1 in 4 women aged 50-64 are sandwich carers balancing child care and caring responsibilities
2. 7 in 10 working carers have felt lonely or isolated at work as a result of their caring responsibilities
3. There are 177,918 young carers in England and Wales

Source: Carers UK

Yours sincerely

Sally Hunt

General Secretary