Why HR must do more to support carers of people with cancer

Summary

One in nine employees is juggling paid work with caring for someone with cancer, and an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK are in this position. Carers face unpredictable appointments, disrupted sleep, extra household tasks, emotional strain and financial pressure — often without recognising themselves as carers or asking for help.

The article argues HR has both a legal duty under the Equality Act 2010 (cancer is a disability from diagnosis; carers are protected by association) and a strong business case to act. Practical steps include raising awareness, training managers, offering flexible working and enhanced compassionate leave, providing wellbeing and counselling support, creating carer networks and planning phased transitions after recovery or bereavement.

Key Points

At least one in nine employees combines paid work with caring for someone with cancer; roughly 1.5 million carers in the UK.
Caring responsibilities are often unpredictable and emotionally exhausting, leading to higher absence and reduced performance if unsupported.
Many carers do not identify themselves as such and only seek help at crisis point, increasing risk to wellbeing and work continuity.
Few organisations have specific carer policies; the Equality Act 2010 means employers must avoid discrimination by association.
HR best practice: raise awareness, train managers for sensitive conversations, provide flexible working and compassionate leave, and invest in wellbeing services and carer networks.
Supporting carers is commercially sensible: it helps retain talent, reduces recruitment and productivity costs, and protects employer reputation.

Why should I read this?

Short version: if you work in HR and haven’t got a handle on carers, this is your practical wake-up call. We’ve read it so you don’t have to trawl through research — it sets out clear, low‑friction steps that protect staff and stop you losing skilled people. It’s legally important, morally obvious and economically smart. Read it to know what to do next.

Source

Source: https://hrzone.com/why-hr-must-do-more-to-support-carers-of-people-with-cancer/