If you’re juggling work with looking after someone, you’re not alone – there are thousands like you in Luton
This section takes you through your rights at work, including flexible working, taking time off and protection from discrimination.
What are my rights as a working carer?
Requesting flexible leave
If you need to combine work with your caring responsibilities, it may be possible for you to request a flexible working arrangement to help. Examples of such arrangements are:
- Flexi-time – employees may be required to work within set times but outside of these ‘core hours’ have some flexibility in how they work their hours.
- Working from home or remote working – where employees spend part or all of their working week away from the workplace. Home-working is just one option.
- Job sharing – usually two employees share the work normally done by one person.
- Part-time working – employees might work shorter days or fewer days in a week.
- Term-time working – employees don’t work during school holidays and either take paid or unpaid leave or their salary is calculated pro-rata over the whole year.
- Staggered hours – employees have various starting and finishing times meaning that goods and services are available outside traditional working hours.
- Compressed hours – employees work their total hours over fewer working days eg, a 10 day fortnight is compressed into a nine day fortnight.
- Mealtime flex – employees take their lunch break when it suits them during the work day. Some employees may choose to take a shorter break instead and leave work earlier.
- Annualised hours – employees work a specified number of hours over the year but have some flexibility about when they work. These employees usually have a set number of ‘core’ hours they work each week and work the remainder of their hours flexibly.
When requesting flexible working it’s important to:
- State that this is a flexible working request
- Outline the working pattern that would work for you
- Explain how this might impact your role and how you would manage any negatives
- The date on which you would like the change to start
Flexible Working Template
Presenting the HR letter to your employer can be a crucial step in making them aware of your caring responsibilities outside of work. It can open a conversation that leads to better support for you in the workplace. Additionally, it can inform your employer about your employment rights as an unpaid carer, paving the way for more holistic support
Download HR Template Letter
Taking Time Off
If you’re managing work alongside your caring responsibilities, finding a good balance isn’t always easy and can become quite a juggling act. But taking time off from work when you need to prioritise someone’s caring needs shouldn’t be a source of stress or worry.
Employees have the legal right to take a reasonable amount of time off work to deal with an emergency involving someone who relies on you for help (as a dependant).
This could include your spouse, partner, child, parent, or others who depend upon you. Whether the time off is paid or not is at the discretion of your employer.
My employer isn't making it easy for me to take off time when I need it
There is professional advice you can seek if you feel that you are being treated unfairly or if your employer is making this difficult for you. Citizens Advice provides good guidance on this, as well as outlining your options for other scenarios where you might need to take time off.
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Talking to your employer
Many carers are reluctant to tell their employer about their caring role. However, being open can lead to practical support:
- Adjusted hours or shift patterns.
- The ability to work from home when needed.
- Access to an employee assistance programme.
- Understanding when emergencies arise.
Carers in Luton can advise you on how to approach your employer and what to ask for.
Register With Us
By registering with us as a carer you will get access to a whole range of services, including advice, information, access to our groups, events and much more.
Register Here
Need To Talk To Someone?
You can book a call with one of our support workers and talk to them about any of your concerns.
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