Support in the workplace
For more information, visit the Parkinson’s UK website (last updated May 2024).
Are carers protected against discrimination in the workplace?
If you support someone with a long-term condition like Parkinson’s, you’re protected from being discriminated against or harassed at work.
This means that as a carer, you shouldn’t be treated less favourably than another employee who isn’t a carer. You should still get the flexibility you’re legally entitled to.
Should you tell your employer you’re supporting someone?
You don’t have to tell your employer you’re supporting someone with Parkinson’s. But it may help if you need to take time off to look after the person you support.
You might make this decision depending on whether your employer has a policy to support carers, or they would be open to looking at ways to support you. Find out what’s available before you approach your manager.
Potential support options
- Special leave arrangements to cover any time you need to care for the person with Parkinson’s (paid or unpaid). This would be at your employer’s discretion.
- An employee assistance programme, if your workplace has one. This will be designed to deal with any personal or work-related problems you have that may affect your ability to do your job.
- Access to advice, support and information, perhaps on a staff website or carers’ network.
Your rights at work
You may have a statutory (legal) right to ask your employer if you can work flexibly. This may mean changing your hours or working from home.
You will be able to request flexible working from your first day in a new job. Your employer must give serious consideration to your request, but they can refuse it if there’s good business reasons for doing so. Find out more about flexible working on the UK government website at the link below.
Remember there’s nothing stopping you from talking to your employer informally. This may be something you may wish to do if you need a temporary change to your role.
The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 gives employees the right to one week’s unpaid leave each year to provide or arrange care for a dependent with a long-term care need. The Act gives rights to carers in England, Wales and Scotland.
Where can I get support?
If you’re a member of a trade union, ask them for help. A local, or regional, union representative may be able to talk to your employer on your behalf and attend meetings with you.
If you’re not in a union, you have the right to invite a colleague to attend certain types of meeting with you.
Can I get time off in an emergency?
Employees can take a ‘reasonable’ amount of time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependant.
A dependant can include a:
- husband, wife or partner
- child
- parent
- friend or family member who lives with you, but doesn’t pay rent
- person who reasonably relies on you to care for them (for example, an elderly neighbour).
You should not be victimised or dismissed by your employer for using this right. Your employer can decide whether the leave is paid or unpaid.
You might need to take leave because of:
- an emergency, such as a fall, that results in an ambulance being called
- unexpected problems with care arrangement
- the person you care for falling ill
- the need to make longer-term arrangements for a dependant
You should also find out how unpaid time off might affect your work rights, National Insurance record, pension and working tax credit eligibility.
Further support
Read information on your rights at work when you’re supporting someone on the Carers UK website at the link below.
The Parkinson’s UK helpline can support you with any work and care-related questions you have. Find out how to contact them at the link below.