Tom Arthur has led a debate in the Scottish Parliament encouraging employers to join the Carer Positive Employer Initiative, which aims to improve life for carers in the workplace and in turn, for their employers.
Being recognised as a Carer Positive employer, an initiative funded by the Scottish Government, means that your working practices suit the needs and circumstances of working carers through practical measures such as flexible working policies.
Carers Scotland estimates that the work of carers contributes the equivalent of around £10.8 billion to the economy each year and will likely increase as the population continues to age.
Speaking ahead of his debate Tom Arthur MSP, the first MSP to register as a Carer Positive employer, said:
“The Carer Positive scheme provides extremely important support to employers looking to implement best practice for carers in the workplace, which can benefit both the employer and its employees.
“Around 270,000 people in Scotland combine work with care and without support and understanding from their employer, they can experience unpleasant levels of stress and exhaustion.
“Many carers will be skilled and still want to work – and they could just need a little flexibility from potential employers to get them into the workplace.
“There are numerous potential benefits to becoming a Carer Positive employer, such as reduced absences, lower staff turnover levels and saving on recruitment costs.
“These are just some of the reasons why I am encouraging as many employers as possible to take steps to becoming Carer Positive employer.”