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Working & Caring
June 2022

Welcome to the June edition of Working & Caring!

Earlier this month we marked Carers Week which was an opportunity to shine a light on the UK's 13.5 million unpaid carers and the huge challenges they face. We held a number of activities at Signpost and I was pleased to host an employers event, which you can read more about in the newsletter below. There was a lot shared publicly during Carers Week about the importance of supporting working carers and what more employers can do, including in this blog produced by the carers' charity, Mobilise, here. Don't forget to check out our carer-friendly checklist for more tips on supporting carers at work and if you're a working carer, please do share it with your employer or line manager!

Our next Sunday Brunch Club for working carers is this Sunday 3rd July at Coffee Fix in Gatley and it would be great to see some of you there. Whether you're currently working or hoping to get back into work, it's a great chance to meet with other carers in a similar situation and take some time out for you. Please email us at bookings@signpostforcarers.org.uk if you can make it. You can read more about upcoming activities below. Our website has also been updated and includes a revamped events section here.

Best wishes,

Rebecca
Work With Us Co-ordinator

Your work

Carer's Leave Bill put forward by Wendy Chamberlain MP

Earlier this month, Wendy Chamberlain, the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for North East Fife, announced her intention to introduce landmark new rights for unpaid carers in the workplace with a Private Member’s Bill.

The Bill, entitled the Carer’s Leave Bill, seeks to introduce a right to unpaid leave for employees with caring responsibilities. The Bill will be published at a later date and will provide more detail.

Wendy Chamberlain MP said:

“Unpaid carers are the absolute backbone of our society. It is estimated that at least 2.3 million working carers could be eligible for leave under this bill: a huge number of people who currently receive far too little support. This bill will help carers juggle work and care whilst supporting employers to maximise retention and wellbeing. Passing it will be a significant step forwards from all sides. I am so excited to bring forward this bill and to have the support of Carers UK on this journey.”

Although the right would be unpaid, it would still be a landmark piece of legislation ensuring that all employers had to recognise carers. At Signpost we will be supporting this Bill and are excited to see what happens next.

Read more

Stockport employers meet for Carers Week

6th - 12th June was Carers Week and we were delighted to welcome a number of representatives from local Stockport businesses to Signpost for the 'Carer-friendly employers event'.

Attendees came to find out more about how they can support carers within their own workplaces. We were joined by colleagues from John Lewis, Healthwatch Stockport, Age UK Stockport, Sector 3, One + All, Stockport Council and Signpost Stockport for Carers. 

The event was a real success and was brought to life by one of our working carers who shared her experiences juggling work and care. It was great to see so much passion and enthusiasm for supporting carers at work, with ideas generated and lots to look forward to.

Carers Week also saw the launch of a new research report detailing the rising pressure on unpaid carers as more care is being provided than ever before and the overwhelming support from the general public for more government assistance. You can read the full report here.
Find out more about support for employers

Don't forget...

Just a reminder about our monthly activities for working carers. You're welcome to join and the first drink is on us! 

Every month:
See more activities

Your future

There are a number of resources and events that may be useful for those of you thinking about returning to work, changing jobs or even setting up your own business or charity. A selection will be featured each month, below.

Skills For Life - Participation L2 Cert

Stockport Homes are running a new Skills for Life course beginning on 2nd August. It is a time commitment as it takes place in person at 2 Edward Street, SK1 3NQ on Tuesday afternoons from 2nd August – 4th October between 1pm – 4pm, but may suit somebody not currently working.

The sessions will cover essential skills and knowledge including:

  • Roles and boundaries
  • Problem solving
  • Communication skills
  • Working with other people
  • Effective meetings
  • Time management
  • Project management
  • Presentation skills
  • Marketing and promotion
  • Sources of information 
Call 0161 474 2862 or email customer.training@stockporthomes.org for more details
 

Catch 22 - Digital Edge

Catch22 Digital Edge is an employability programme delivered in partnership with Microsoft, helping participants find a job in the Tech sector.

Age criteria: 18-45

The programme is delivered remotely, with the aim of giving participants an understanding of Digital Apprenticeships and IT Entry Level jobs.

After completing the 4 week programme, each participant will get 6 months 1-1 support from a Careers Coach to help tailor their CV and cover letters to the Tech Industry, as well as support with applying for jobs/apprenticeships and interview prep, specific to digital roles.
 

Find out more

If there is anything you think other carers would enjoy reading or find helpful in future newsletters, please get in touch.

This newsletter has been produced by Signpost Stockport for Carers as part of the Work With Us project.
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