Millions of carers anxiously await outcome of landmark employment case

Sharon Coleman is claiming that her employer, a law firm, discriminated against her and treated her differently to other employees because she was caring for her son who has severe disabilities.    The legal argument is that she was discriminated against by her employer because of her association with disability. 

Emily Holzhausen, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said, “If this case is successful, employers will have to alter the way that they treat carers of someone with a disability within the workplace in order to comply with the new case law.  They will have to ensure that they make reasonable adjustments, recruit fairly and not discriminate against carers within their workforce.

“This is a common sense case and we are hoping for a positive outcome.  We know that carers are discriminated against in the workplace and yet the reasonable adjustments that employers can make are not costly and are economically beneficial.  Carers UK has strong evidence that they deliver positive bottom-line benefits to the organisation.

“Although there are many carers who feel supported and valued by their employers, there are also a significant number who feel discriminated against in their workplace.    Some employers refuse to make small reasonable adjustments – that don’t come under flexible working – that  can make the difference between a carer staying in work or leaving.    Other carers have experienced prejudice in recruitment where they have been told they cannot do the job because they are caring for someone with a severe disability and the employer does not believe they will be committed.  Yet in reality, research has shown that carers are amongst the most committed and valuable members of staff within employment.”

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For further information contact:

Emily Holzhausen, Head of Policy and Public Affairs, on: 020 7566 7637 or 0794 127 3108 or Emily.holzhausen@carersuk.org

Kate Groucutt, Policy and Public Affairs Officer on: 020 7566 7616 or kate.groucutt@carersuk.org

Notes to editors:

1. There are 2.6 million employed carers who currently juggle work with caring for a disabled or ill relative with caring responsibilities.
2. Sharon Coleman is being represented by Bates Wells & Braithwaite Solicitors.
3. Carers UK is calling for carers to be protected from discrimination, including in the workplace.   Carers UK’s full response to the Discrimination Law Review can be found on: www.carersuk.org
4. Carers UK is the leading campaigning, policy and information organisation of and for carers. Carers UK continues to make a difference to carers' lives by: campaigning for a better deal for carers; informing carers of their rights and what help is available; training and advising professionals who work with carers; working across the UK through its membership and networks of branches and affiliates. For more information, visit www.carersuk.org or for advice on your caring situation call CarersLine on T. 0808 808 7777.
5. This work is part of a series of research reports published as part of the Action for Carers and Employment (ACE) National - a development partnership led by Carers UK and funded by the European Social Fund’s Equal programme.   This work aims to raise awareness of the barriers facing carers who wish to work, and tests and promotes ways of supporting them. Visit www.acecarers.org.uk