Work and caring
Combining paid work with looking after someone can be challenging. Alongside your job, you may be supporting a partner, child, relative or friend who needs help because of illness, disability or age.
You are not alone. Carers UK’s 2026 polling estimates that one in five UK workers, around 6.7 million people, combine paid employment with unpaid care.
You may feel under additional pressure, especially when caring responsibilities change or something unexpected happens. Understanding the support available can help you find an arrangement that works for you.
Talking to your employer
It is your choice whether to tell your employer about your caring responsibilities. However, sharing this information may help them understand the pressures you face and discuss support with you.
You do not have to share every personal detail. You could explain how caring affects your working day and what changes might help.
Check your staff handbook or intranet, or speak to your line manager or HR team. Your employer may offer:
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Paid carer’s leave or other additional leave.
- A workplace carers’ network.
- Support through an employee assistance programme.
Small changes can also make a difference, such as having a private space to make calls or agreeing how to keep your manager informed when your circumstances change.
Understanding your rights
Eligible employees have statutory rights that can help them balance work and caring. In England, Scotland and Wales, these include:
- Carer’s Leave: up to one usual working week of unpaid leave in each 12-month period to provide or arrange care for a dependant with a long-term care need.
- Requesting flexible working: the right to ask for changes to working hours, days or location from the first day of employment.
- Emergency time off for dependants: a reasonable amount of time off to deal with an unexpected situation involving someone who depends on you.
Different rules apply to each entitlement, and your employer may offer additional support.
Find out about flexible working, time off and leave
You may also be protected against discrimination because of your association with someone who has a protected characteristic, such as disability.
Find out more about discrimination at work
Finding support from colleagues
Talking to trusted colleagues can help you feel less alone. You may find that others have caring responsibilities too.
Some workplaces have carers’ networks where people share experiences, information and practical suggestions. Ask whether your employer has a group you could join.
Thinking about reducing your hours or leaving work?
If balancing work and caring is becoming difficult, you may be considering reducing your hours or leaving your job. This is a personal decision, and it can help to talk through your options.
If you feel able to, speak to your employer about changes that could help you continue working. These might include a different working pattern, available leave or a career break.
It is also worth exploring support with your caring responsibilities, including a carer’s assessment and help with arranging care.
Before making a decision, seek advice about how a change could affect your income, benefits and pension. Your wellbeing and circumstances matter, and support can help you make an informed choice.
We’re here to help
Whether you are continuing in work, considering a change or finding things difficult, Action for Carers Surrey can offer information and support with your caring role.
Call 0303 040 1234 or get in touch with our team.
