EFD welcomes launch of carers’ standing commission
7th September 2007
Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) welcomes the launch of a carers' standing commission.
EFD also welcomes the appointment of Philippa Russell, a DRC commissioner and carers' advocate, who will work with Ivan Lewis, minister for carers, to ensure the voice of carers is central to government policy.
However, EFD also feels it is important that the views of carers as employees should be heard.
Catherine Grinyer, head of communications at EFD says: "As far as we are aware, the standing commission will not be looking at the employment and retention of carers of disabled people as a long-term issue.
"An ageing population means that more people are likely to become carers in the years ahead, so this is an issue which will affect more and more employees - and their employers.
"Being a carer shouldn't mean being excluded from taking up worthwhile employment. Flexible working practices and other adjustments should mean that many carers can still work while taking on their other commitments."
In November EFD will be holding an event with members, to discuss the contribution of carers and how to retain them as employees.
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Notes to editors
Media enquiries, please contact:
Liz Nightingale, Communications Manager
Employers' Forum on Disability
Email: liz.nightingale@efd.org.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
About Employers' Forum on Disability
Employers' Forum on Disability is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects employers and service providers. With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ around 20 per cent of the UK workforce.Since its establishment in 1991, EFD has worked closely with government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.