This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
What's this project all about?
Thousands of working people across West Yorkshire start each day balancing the demands of work with caring for a loved one - often without anyone at work knowing. Through free forums, specialist training and tailored organisational guidance, the Employer Support for Unpaid Carers in the Workplace project is transforming how businesses recognise and support employees with caring responsibilities.
Around one in seven employees is an unpaid carer (TUK, 2024). Supporting carers isn’t just good for staff - it’s good for business. With the right help, employers can improve wellbeing, strengthen retention and boost productivity.
Local carer organisations across West Yorkshire are providing free, tailored support to employers including:
- Employer forums - opportunities to share good practice and learn from others
- Awareness training - practical sessions for managers and teams on carer-friendly policies such as flexible working and carers’ leave
- Targeted organisational support - bespoke guidance to review policies, set up carer networks and embed effective workplace practices
What difference is it making?
On 22 October 2025, employers from across Kirklees gathered at The Zone in Huddersfield for the first Employer Forum. 14 organisations – ranging from private businesses to public services - came together with a shared goal: to understand and better support staff who combine work with caring responsibilities.
The event created an immediate buzz. Employers spoke openly about the challenges they face in identifying carers and how easily caring responsibilities can remain hidden. Much of the discussion focused on visibility - making sure that carers know where to find support and ensuring managers feel confident offering it. Discussions generated a range of practical ideas, from creating stronger online information and clearer signposting, to encouraging open conversations at work.
"There was a real sense of energy in the room - people genuinely wanted to make things better for working carers," said Sharon Daley, Project Coordinator-Carers, Self Advocacy and Inclusion Services, Cloverleaf Advocacy.
What do people think about it?
The event fostered open discussion, practical learning and a strong sense of shared purpose. Employers valued the chance to hear from others facing similar challenges and left with new ideas and renewed motivation. One participant reflected: "It was great to hear what other organisations are doing – it really helped us think about what’s possible in our own setting."
What's next for the project?
Building on the success of the event, the project team will develop further opportunities for learning and collaboration. Plans include:
- more employer forums
- management training focused on supporting working carers
- work with businesses to create tailored approaches that embed carer-friendly practices
Sharon added: "We want a future where supporting working carers is part of every organisational culture. “When we support unpaid carers, we strengthen our entire workforce – it’s not an add on but essential to building a healthier, more productive workforce where people feel valued.”
How can I get involved?
Join our employer network, with support available across West Yorkshire to connect with other organisations, share ideas and discover tools to make your workplace more carer friendly. See our poster for more information.
You can also view the 'employer support for unpaid carers in the workplace' case study as a PDF file.
This project is part of Healthy Working Life - reducing the number of people in West Yorkshire who may become unable to work because of ill health. Find out more on our Healthy Working Life website pages.