VOCAL – Supporting Employers, Supporting Carers

Caring is often a hidden issue in the workplace, making it difficult to talk about and support. One in five carers give up work because balancing caring and holding down a job becomes too much. The public expenditure costs of carers unable to continue working has been estimated at £1.3 billion a year, and impacts employers, the wider economy and individuals. Employers are losing talented people they have invested in.

What we offer

As a leading expert in the health and social care sector, we collaborate with employers to create carer friendly workplaces. We can support you in raising awareness, leading team discussions, building carer networks, also reviewing and developing internal policies. Employers can also access downloadable resources for line managers and staff.

VOCAL work in partnership with employers across all sectors including; higher education, financial, public service and hospitality, supporting their ambitions to upskill managers and become a carer friendly workplace.

We have developed a great working partnership with VOCAL.

They have provided guidance to help us raise awareness of the support that is available to working carers and have helped to identify gaps within our own policies and procedures. They have been involved in the development of our own carer policy and carer network. Their knowledge, guidance and support has been invaluable in helping us to shape our approach and offer the right support for working carers within our organisation.

We have received very positive feedback from our staff who have taken up the opportunity to access the resources that VOCAL provides.

– Angie Hamilton, Head of Wellbeing, Historic Environment Scotland (HES)

Why support employees who are carers?




Supporting carers to remain in work can unlock significant economic benefits. As well as reversing losses incurred, research has demonstrated that employers with policies and support in place see improved service delivery, cost savings and increased productivity.

Many carers can continue to work with the right support and awareness from colleagues and their employer. Employers across Scotland are recognising that small changes can make a big difference.

Find out more