A man from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, has helped launch a campaign aimed at highlighting the rights and support needs of working family carers balancing jobs and unpaid care.
Chris Jeffery, who has personal experience both as a carer for his late father and as someone receiving care from his wife, emphasised that carers’ needs for government and employer support are “just as important” as those of the people they look after.
Mr Jeffery has collaborated with Kent County Council (KCC) to develop the ‘Working carers – someone’s listening’ campaign. The initiative seeks to give a stronger voice to the “forgotten army of carers” who manage work responsibilities alongside caregiving duties.
“Working carers may not receive Carers’ Allowance because they work too many hours,” Mr Jeffery explained. “With an estimated five million carers in the UK balancing work and unpaid care, we must ensure employers are aware of the challenges carers face in the workplace and the resources available to support them.”
According to the charity Carers UK, the 2021 UK census revealed there are 5.8 million unpaid carers nationwide. Of these, 1.7 million provide 50 or more hours of care weekly. Women make up 59% of unpaid carers, indicating a significant gender disparity in caregiving roles.
Balancing Work and Wellbeing
Mr Jeffery stressed that carers need opportunities to maintain their wellbeing while juggling work and care responsibilities. “They’re doing their best to keep going – managing work and caring without letting down either the person they care for or their employer,” he said.
A Kent County Council spokesperson added, “A carer’s role can make paid work, study, social connections, and leisure activities difficult and sometimes almost impossible. Carers are more likely to suffer from physical, emotional, and mental health problems.”
The ‘Working carers – someone’s listening’ campaign aims to raise awareness among employers and policymakers to improve support for carers in the workplace, ensuring they receive the recognition and resources they need.
For more updates on community campaigns and social issues, visit BlogHear.com
