Working and supporting someone
You may be working as well as supporting or caring for someone with Parkinson’s. This page helps you understand your rights and how to manage each role.
Paid work can provide:
- financial independence and money to help with caring
- a break from your supporting role
- new social networks and friendships
- a boost to your self-esteem
- a better pension.
If you’re in paid work, you may find that, as time goes on, combining your responsibilities can be challenging. You may also need to make changes to maintain your own general health and wellbeing.
Your employment needs should be taken into account in any assessment from your local council or health and social care trust in Northern Ireland.
Supporting someone while working
Are you protected against discrimination at work?
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 GOV.UK website.
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.
Should I stop working?
If you decide you have to leave work, think about other options available to you other than resigning. This could be a career break or retirement, for example.
Employers are keen to keep skilled, experienced and committed staff. So they may be open to changing your role to fit around your caring duties. You may consider part-time working or job sharing, working from home, or paid or unpaid leave that allows you to think about long-term options.
What about my finances?
If you’re thinking of leaving work to spend more time to support someone with Parkinson’s, you may be concerned about your finances. But there are things you can do to ease any worries, such as making sure you’re claiming all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Further support
Read information on your rights at work when you’re supporting someone on the Carers UK website.
Our helpline is here to support you with any work and care-related questions you have. Call us on 0808 800 0303 or email [email protected].
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