Employers supporting working carers

A new Oxfordshire County Council-sponsored logo for employers who are supportive of working carers was launched in 2009.

Support in the workplace

The symbol is available to employers who want to display their commitment to giving additional support to employees who juggle work and caring responsibilities.

The logo symbolises a dedication from organisations to help attract, recruit and support working carers as employees wherever possible through flexible management.

Further information

People wanting a logo, further information about using it and details about what organisations can do to support working carers should email diversity@oxfordshire.gov.uk.

What makes a carer?

A carer is someone who looks after a friend or relative who has a physical or mental disability and who needs support to live at home. Three out of five people will be carers at some point in their lives.

Gain information about the role that carers play

The Carers' Week in June 2009 put the spotlight on the vital work done by those unpaid carers of any age up and down the country who tend to a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who is ill, frail, disabled or has an addiction.

This year's theme was for greater recognition of the work that carers do, depicting carers as the country's secret service

Many carers experience a lack of public understanding about their role, which can result in negative impacts on their health, finances and general wellbeing as well as their working and social life.

Helping to raise profile

John Jackson, Oxfordshire County Council's Director for Social and Community Services, said: "Carers often go about their duties with little or no recognition from others about the valuable job that they do. The county council has a number of services designated to assist such people and those who they care for."

Help available for carers

Oxfordshire County Council's range of services to assist carers includes the Carers' Replacement Care Grant, which supports carers to look for jobs or stay in work while also having time to access learning, training or leisure.

See their Carers' Replacement Care Grant page or call 01865 374430 for more information.