Support with working and caring

Working alongside caring can be difficult but it does ensure you have a life outside of your caring responsibilities and some financial stability. Many carers feel they should give up work because the demands of caring are so great, however, support is available. Most working carers have the following rights:

• The right to request flexible working
• The right to take time off in emergencies
• The right to parental leave if you have a child
• The right not to be discriminated against or harassed under the Equality Act

You may not be covered by these rights if you are self-employed, on a short term contract or employed through an agency. Make sure your employer is aware of your situation. They may agree to make reasonable changes to your work pattern, such as working part-time, job sharing, working term-time only or working compressed hours (fitting five day’s work into four longer days) and other support.

Contact details

Caring for a child or adult with a learning disability in Reading?

Reading Mencap offers information, advice and carers assessments in Reading. 21 Alexandra Road, Reading RG1 5PE Tel: 0118 966 2518 Email: carers@readingmencap.org.uk

Caring for someone 50+ years in Reading?

Age UK Reading offers information, advice and carers assessments in Reading. Walford Hall, Carey Street, Reading RG17JS Tel: 07716 418 941 Email: carers@ageukreading.org.uk

Caring for someone 50+ in West Berkshire

Age UK Berkshire offers information and advice in West Berkshire. Unit 119 Broad Street Mall, Reading RG1 7QA Tel: 0118 959 4242 Email: info@ageukberkshire.org.uk

For all other carers in Reading and West Berkshire

Communicare offers information, advice and, in Reading, carers assessments. 233 Kings Road, Reading RG1 4LS Tel: 0118 926 3941 Email: office@communicare.org.uk

New Directions

New Directions can offer you tailored support to help with your journey into work. Support includes help to:

• understand the job market and how to apply for jobs
• develop skills to become job-ready
• improve confidence and motivation

This is a holistic service working with other local organisations to meet your needs. For more information or to book an appointment with an advisor call: 07976 154184 or email: newdirections@reading.gov.uk