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Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 3 |
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Put carers in the spotlight on June 14
There are many hundreds of Usdaw members who play a vital role caring for disabled, elderly and vulnerable relatives or friends.
Unfortunately carers often receive very little recognition or support from their employer for the valuable work they do.
On June 14, Usdaw will hold the second of its campaign spotlight days with the focus on carer's rights. The day will highlight the real problems carers have at work and why Usdaw is pressing employers and Government for real improvements.
The Supporting Parents and Carers Campaign aims to improve the situation for carers at work by relieving some of the enormous pressures members' with caring commitments face.
Usdaw's parents and carers survey gave the union the opportunity to listen to the voice of carers - a section of our membership that sometimes finds it hard to be heard. This is what they had to say:
"Pressure and more pressure, the dreadful feeling when the phone rings and you have to ask for time off . . . "
"My mum is regularly admitted to hospital - usually at the drop of a hat . . . my personnel manager refuses to recognise me as a carer because my mum's condition fluctuates . . ."
"The pressure of looking after my elderly mum and working full-time was getting too much for me . . . I had no support whatsoever from my employer . . . I had to leave because I felt if I had a breakdown I would be no use to my mum."
Usdaw is working closely with employers to try and negotiate paid time off for carers so they don't lose money or use up precious holiday entitlement which leaves them with no time for themselves. Usdaw also wants Government to extend the right to request flexible working to carers so they have a right to a say in their working hours.
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