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 Adult Social Care Services on 0118 9373747 to see if you and the person you care for can get help so you can continue to work.

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