How Workplaces Can Better Support Unpaid Carers

Across Swindon, thousands of people quietly juggle work with the responsibility of caring for an adult or child with health or social care needs. These unpaid carers often go unseen, yet they hold families together and strengthen our communities every day.

This month’s Young Carers Action Day focused on the theme “Fairer Future for Young Carers”, calling for better recognition, improved opportunities, and greater support for young people who care. At Swindon Carers Together, we are proud to champion young carers — and we also recognise that creating a truly fairer future means supporting carers of all ages, including those balancing caring responsibilities with employment.

While the workplace support we discuss applies mainly to adult and parent carers, the message behind Young Carers Action Day still guides us: fairness, recognition, and support must be at the heart of every carer’s experience.

For those trying to manage a career alongside their caring role, the pressures can be enormous. Without the right support, carers are more at risk of stress, burnout, financial instability, and social isolation.

To help build a fairer future for carers, and in the spirit of this year’s national campaign, here are some key steps employers can take to better support unpaid carers in the workplace:

Identify and Recognise Carers

Encouraging employees to identify themselves as carers is the first step. Recognition helps normalise conversations around caring roles and ensures staff feel valued, not hidden or isolated.

Provide Flexible Working Arrangements

Flexible working such as adjusted start/finish times, hybrid working, or the ability to attend appointments, can make all the difference. It helps carers manage their responsibilities without compromising their career.

Offer Training and Development

Caring responsibilities shouldn’t hold someone back from progressing. Employers who offer training and development empower carers to grow professionally while continuing in their caring role.

Encourage Breaks and Self‑Care

Carers often put themselves last. Encouraging regular breaks helps protect both physical and mental health, supporting long‑term resilience at work and at home.

Promote Carer Wellbeing Initiatives

Support groups, wellbeing resources, signposting to help, and creating a culture where carers are heard can significantly reduce stress and isolation.

At Swindon Carers Together, we are proud to work directly with unpaid carers across the community. By encouraging more workplaces to adopt carer‑friendly practices, we can help ensure no carer faces the challenge alone.

For organisations looking to improve their support for unpaid carers, further guidance can be found in the latest Carers UK report:
Identifying and Supporting Unpaid Carers in England