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Carer support at work

Learn about the benefits of supporting employees with unpaid caring responsibilities and find out what you can do to create a supportive workplace.

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The value of supporting carers in the workplace

Growing numbers of people are balancing paid employment with unpaid caring responsibilities.

Estimates from the Office of National Statistics suggest there are 310,000 unpaid carers in Wales (10.5% of the Welsh population). You are likely to have unpaid carers working for you, whether they have let you know or not.

Finding ways to support employees with caring responsibilities can:

  • increase employee and skill retention
  • improve job satisfaction
  • reduce stress and improve performance
  • Reduce absenteeism

This 2020 CIPD report has more information about how supporting working carers can support both employers and employees.

Page last reviewed: 8th June 2026