Carers UK has published a new report today which calls on the Government to review the Equality Act 2010 and introduce caring as a protected characteristic.

Read the full report

The research found that many unpaid carers have experienced discrimination or harassment. In the workplace, 22% of carers said they had experienced unfair or unfavourable treatment, with nearly a quarter of carers in employment (24%) saying that they had difficulties meeting their employer’s requirements because of their caring role.

Although the Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful to directly discriminate against or harass someone who is associated with someone with a protected characteristic, the law is poorly understood and implemented.

Many unpaid carers often feel invisible, overlooked and undervalued. 55% of people responding to our survey said they need better understanding and recognition of carers from the general public.

Carers UK is calling for caring to be made a protected characteristic by updating the Equality Act 2010. Introducing caring as a protected characteristic would strengthen carers’ rights to protection from discrimination and harassment, and because the protected characteristics are well-known it would further raise the profile of carers. Ensuring that all employers promote equality for carers and treat carers fairly should also help to better support carers to stay in the workplace for longer, alongside their unpaid caring role.

For more information about this research and campaign, please email [email protected]