Local employers given award for being carer friendly
Telford and Wrekin Alzheimer’s Society and Telford and Wrekin Council for Voluntary Service have been given an award for taking steps to become a carer friendly employer in 2019.
The two organisations have pledged to continue to support employees who are carers to be able to continue to undertake their role alongside their work.
The award was given by Telford and Wrekin Carers Partnership Board after a group of carers reviewed the support on offer to carers from the two organisations.
Barry Parnaby, Chairman of the Telford and Wrekin Carers Partnership Board, presented Telford and Wrekin Alzheimer’s Society and Telford and Wrekin Council for Voluntary Service with the award, saying
“There are an estimated 18,000 unpaid carers in Telford & Wrekin, many of whom are balancing work and caring.
“Being a carer friendly employer can have a positive impact for employers, especially on recruiting and retaining staff.
“I am pleased that more employers in Telford and Wrekin are becoming Carer Friendly Employers.”
Laura Thorogood, All Age Carer Centre manager from Telford and Wrekin Council for Voluntary Service, said: “We took the pledge because we believe that carers in the workplace need to be supported to have their own independent life outside of caring.”
Dianne Beaumont, Services Manager from the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We look after carers, so it’s only right we do the same for our staff. It’s good to offer flexible working opportunities for people when they face difficult times.”
Telford & Wrekin Council pledged to become a carer friendly employer in 2018, now it is encouraging other employers to do so in partnership with the Carers Partnership Board.
Councillor Andy Burford, Cabinet member for health and social care, said: “Carers are the unsung heroes of our community. That is why we are encouraging employers to become carer friendly.
“Anyone at any level in an organisation may have a caring role at some time in their lives. It’s crucial that all employers ensure that their employees feel able to ask for support when needed.
“Any employer who wants to assist in supporting their employees to continue to work whilst in a caring role should consider taking the Carer Friendly Employer Pledge.”
For more information about being a carer friendly employer please email: commissioningadults@telford.gov.uk.
Pictured left to right: Dianne Beaumont, Barry Parnaby, Laura Thorogood.
