We’re supporting Carers Rights Day on 26 November.
The theme this year is ‘Know your rights’ so we conducted a survey of Carers to see how much they knew. We found that:
- 62% of Carers in East Kent were completely unaware they had any legal rights at all.
- Only one-third (34%) knew that employed Carers had a legal right to unpaid leave without this affecting their employment
- Less than half (47%) knew they had a legal right not to be discriminated against by association with the person they care for (e.g if the person they care for is disabled)
- Less than half (47%) knew that employed Carers have a legal right to ask for flexible working.
- 15% didn’t know they were legally entitled to a Carer’s Assessment
Most of us will provide unpaid care for a relative or friend who can’t manage without our support at some point in our lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of caring, affecting Carers’ access to support and services, and their physical and mental health. Many are caring for the first time, while those who’ve been caring for a while are facing greater challenges and pressures than ever before. It’s never been more important for Carers to be well-informed and know their rights.
Jen Bentley, Head of Services at Carers’ Support East Kent says:
“It’s important that all Carers know their legal rights and how to access them – that’s where we can help. At Carers’ Support East Kent we carry out Carers’ Needs Assessments to help Carers identify and access the support they need, provide information about eligibility for benefits such as Carer’s Allowance and support Carers in accessing their employment rights if they’re combining a caring role with work.”
Find out more about your rights as a Carer and how we can support you to access them