Keep Britain Working is an independent review of the role of employers in tackling health based economic inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said:

“We welcome today’s publication of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review and its recognition that unpaid carers are a vital part of the workforce.

“The report highlights the Department for Work and Pensions recent estimate that the cost to the economy of unpaid carers being out of paid work is a staggering £37 billion a year, clearly demonstrating that there is a huge economic prize at stake for the government and the wider economy if we can effectively support employees with caring responsibilities to remain in and excel at work.

“Despite the huge contribution unpaid carers make to society, the economy and public services, far too many carers – 600 a day on average – are currently falling out of work due to ill-health, inadequate employment rights, and a lack of recognition and appropriate support from employers. While there are excellent examples of employers providing effective support, including from members of our own Employers for Carers forum, there is clearly much more to do to ensure that workplaces can effectively support employees with caring responsibilities to stay in and thrive at work.

“Carers UK is very keen to see a statutory right to paid Carer’s Leave introduced for employees; our evidence shows that four in five carers (80%) say this would help them better balance work and caring responsibilities. The Government’s Make Work Pay blueprint commits to examining the benefits of introducing paid Carer’s Leave, and today’s Review underlines the many opportunities and benefits of turning that commitment into action as soon as possible.

“Employers who adopt flexible and inclusive working policies for carers are seeing clear business benefits — from improved retention to reduced unplanned absence. Given today’s report and a growing amount of evidence in this area, there is real potential for increased Government leadership focussing on supporting carers in work - including the introduction of a statutory right to paid Carer’s Leave.”