Know your rights as a Carer
Carers Rights Day, which fell last week on 26th November 2020, is an annual campaign to highlight unpaid carers and their rights – and East Sussex charity, Care for the Carers, wants to get the message
out.
There are over 68,000 unpaid carers in East Sussex, with an estimated 34,000 additional carers because of the pandemic. Nationally, five million people in the UK are juggling caring responsibilities with work – that is 1 in 7 of the workforce.
Carers’ Rights Day, Willmington
Many carers are not aware of their rights or what support they are entitled to. These rights are enshrined in the Care Act 2014, and whether they are a new carer or have been caring for someone for some time, it is important that they understand these rights and are able to access any support available when they need it. Some of the rights are:
Carer’s Assessment: A carer looking after a family member, partner, friend, or neighbour who cannot manage without their help can approach Adult Social Care for East Sussex and ask for a Carer’s Assessment.
Flexible working and taking time off in emergencies: Carers who are working have the right to time off in emergencies and parental leave under the Employment Rights Act 1996. This gives all employees the right to take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependant. After 26 weeks continuous employment, carers can have the right to request flexible working.
Financial entitlements: It is important to know what benefits a carer and the person they care for are entitled to. It might make a difference to pension entitlements in the future or bring in extra money to help pay for care.
Elizabeth Russell is an unpaid carer living in East Sussex. “Knowing your rights and how to apply for assistance can be a minefield, so it’s reassuring to know that support is out there for carers, especially in the current situation,” she says.
She adds, “Understanding about carers’ allowance and other entitlements as well as what I should know as a carer when dealing with health services gives me the confidence to ask the right questions and get the best care for my husband.”
Jennifer Twist, Chief Executive Officer of Care for the Carers, reinforces this point: “Many carers may not realise they are entitled to support… please spread the word on social media or have a chat with your colleagues, friends or family who look after somebody – they are doing something amazing so make sure they know that they’re entitled to support.”
• For more information visit www.cftc.org.uk or get in touch on 01323 738390, email [email protected], or text 07860 077300.
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