There are about 1 million carers in Norfolk. Around a third of carers combine caring for a loved one with paid work.
Norfolk's carers need our support and practical help. We want to help Norfolk's employers become more carer friendly.
What your organisation can do
Adopt the Norfolk Carers' Charter
We launched the Norfolk Carers' Charter in November 2018. It was written by carers for carers. It sets out the support carers should be able to expect from:
Their employer
Their school, college, or place of learning
Norfolk County Council and other local support services
The care of an ill, older or disabled loved one is often just a part of life for many people.
Those providing this care may not even identify as a carer, remaining unaware of what support is available to them both inside and outside of work.
By raising awareness of carers within your workplace, this may help your employees to identify themselves as carers and find out about support available to them and the person they care for.
Why caring for carers is good for business
Analysis from Age UK shows that an estimated £5.3bn a year is lost from the economy in earnings due to people leaving the workforce to take on caring responsibilities for older or disabled loved ones.
Supporting carers to work makes good business sense.
Carers have unique skills gained through their caring roles; they are flexible, resourceful and resilient.
Carers don’t want to be a special case – they want understanding and support from employers which helps them do their job well and continue their caring responsibilities.