New research has highlighted the growing impact unpaid caring responsibilities are having on the UK workforce, with an estimated 1,500 people leaving employment every day to care for family members, friends, or loved ones. Access to employment support matters now more than ever.
According to new figures published by Carers UK, more than one million people have left work in the past two years because they were unable to balance employment alongside caring responsibilities. The report also found that one in five employees now combines paid work with unpaid care, a significant increase on previous years.
The findings reflect a challenge being felt across communities throughout the UK. As our population ages and demand for care grows, more people are finding themselves forced to make difficult choices between remaining in work and supporting those who depend on them. Many others are reducing their hours, declining career opportunities, or moving into lower paid employment to make caring responsibilities manageable.
The Hidden Impact on Individuals and Communities
Leaving employment can have a significant impact on financial wellbeing, confidence, mental health, and future career prospects. For employers, it can mean losing experienced and skilled staff. For local economies, it contributes to widening workforce shortages at a time when many sectors are already struggling to recruit and retain talent.
While policymakers continue to debate changes to carers’ rights and social care reform, there is also an urgent need to ensure people who have left employment, reduced hours, or experienced disruption to their careers can access tailored support to return to work when the time is right.
Supporting People Back Into Employment
At Cosmic, we regularly work with people who face barriers to employment, including those whose circumstances have changed due to caring responsibilities, health challenges, confidence issues, or changing family commitments.
Returning to work after a period away can feel daunting, particularly when digital skills, recruitment practices, and employer expectations are constantly evolving. Access to personalised employability support, digital skills training, confidence building, and employer connections can make a significant difference in helping individuals take their next step.
Programmes that recognise the realities people face outside work are often the ones that achieve the greatest impact, helping individuals rebuild confidence, explore flexible employment options, develop new skills, and access opportunities that fit around their circumstances.
“The latest report shows how vital services to help return to work are, and increasingly, the need for this support. If you aretrying to balance your caring responsibilities with employment, Connect to Work may be able to help you find suitable employment” – David Johnson, Digital Skills Trainer
Connect to Work: Free Employment Support
If you are currently unemployed, economically inactive, or facing barriers that are making it difficult to find or sustain work, Connect to Work may be able to help.
Through Connect to Work, participants can access personalised, one-to-one support designed around their individual circumstances and career goals. Support may include:
- Job search and application support
- CV development and interview preparation
- Digital skills development
- Confidence and employability coaching
- Employer engagement and job matching
- Ongoing in-work support
Whether you’re looking to return to employment after caring for a loved one, rebuild confidence following a career break, or take the next step in your career journey, support is available.
Ready to take the next step?
Find out more about Connect to Work – Cornwall and register your interest today.