Carers’ Kitemark

A new scheme to recognise employers who give extra help and support to carers in their workforce has been launched today to mark Carers’ Week.

The Carers’ Kitemark is one of the Scottish Government’s key policies to help Scotland’s estimated 660,000 carers. Under the scheme, employers will be able to sign up to demonstrate their commitment to supporting employees who provide care and support for elderly or disabled relatives.

Michael Matheson, Minister for Public Health, will launch the Carers’ Kitemark, developed in conjunction with Carers Scotland, in Edinburgh today.

The Kitemark will be launched as “Carer Positive” and employers will be known as a Carer Positive Employer in Scotland. There are some simple steps employers can take to help carers, including offering flexible hours, or access to a private phone line

Mr Matheson said:

“There’s no doubting the benefits that carers deliver and they deserve as much support as possible for the amazing job they do. Carers make up a significant proportion of Scotland’s working population, meaning there’s a strong business case for developing carer-friendly policies. If you look after the carers in your workforce you’ll have better staff retention, better morale and higher productivity. I’d urge all employers, big and small, to consider signing up to the Carers’ Kitemark.

“This Government has invested nearly £114 million in supporting carers and their families since 2007. We have introduced the Self-directed Support Act, invested heavily in the Short Breaks Fund, and consulted on proposed new legislation to further support carers and young carers.”

Simon Hodgson, Director of Carers Scotland, said:

“Carers Scotland is acutely aware of the challenges many people face juggling work with their caring responsibilities. We are confident that raising awareness through the Carer Positive employers’ Kitemark will both provide vital support to working carers and help employers retain their skilled and experienced staff.”

The Kitemark aims to raise awareness of the growing number of working carers and gives recognition to employers who support carers in their workforce. It also aims to highlight the strong benefits to employers of supporting attracting and maintaining carers in the workplace.

It is estimated that there are around 250,000 working carers in Scotland – approximately 1/7 of the workforce. Some of the benefits of carer-friendly polices include retaining experienced workers, reducing staff absences and better morale.

A number of organisations, both public and private, have joined the scheme as early adopters. Their feedback will be used to improve the scheme as other employers come on board.

One of the scheme’s early adopters is the Scottish Court Service.

Senga Gracie, a carer with the Scottish Court Service, has a son with diabetes. She explained the benefits the Carers policy had delivered for her.

She said:

“Having a Carers policy allows me to achieve a good balance between my caring and work responsibilities.

“I work full time and,at first, my son required a lot of attention and support in dealing with his condition. His school needed to be able to contact me at short notice and needed guidance on managing his condition in certain situations. He also had regular medical appointments to attend.

“My managers agreed to me working flexible hours by compressing my working week into 4 days instead of 5. I also use carer’s special leave in conjunction with flexi and annual leave to cover his medical appointments and any absence he had to take due to his condition.

“The support of my line managers, colleagues and Judiciary made a huge difference in assisting me to be able to cope through difficult times and still feel a valued member of staff.”