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NEWSLETTER/CYLCHLYTHR

Powys Carers Service Newsletter - Summer 2004 - Page: 1 - 2- 3- 4- 5- 6- 7

Legislation - The Carers Equal Opportunities Bill

What is the Bill and what does it do?
The bill will work towards three main aims:

  • To place a duty on local authorities to consider whether the carer works or wishes to work, wishes to enter education or life-long learning or have leisure opportunities.
  • It would place a duty on local authorities to tell carers about their right to an assessment
  • It would give local authorities strong powers to pull in the help of other local authorities, health, housing, education, etc. in developing carers support.

What will the legislation do?

  • It should give carers more information about the carers assessment to ensure that carers can make an informed choice about what they want.
  • It should also make things more systematic.
What will it mean?
Most probably it will mean that carers will have a right to request flexible working hours and arrangements. This does not mean taking time off here or there, but an agreed flexible arrangement.
Any problems with the Bill?
There is a concern about resources within local authorities to match the support that carers need in order to work. This point has been taken forward by Carers Wales in order for the relevant MPs to consider it.
Developments associated with Equal Opportunities:
The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, has pledged his support for equal opportunities for carers looking after elderly or infirm relatives or friends. The new right to request the flexible working hours will mirror the successful introduction of the same request rights already granted to parents of young children.
Taking part in a Big Conversation meeting in 10 Downing Street, Mr Blair stated:
“It is time for us to look at how we can better support carers. An ageing population coupled with women’s employment is creating growing pressure on people who are caring for an elderly parent or relative.”

For more about the Equal Opportunities Bill or the Ace Carers in Employment project go to www.acecarers.org.uk, or you can contact Carers Wales on (029) 2081 1370.
 

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