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7 September

EFD welcomes launch of carers' standing commission

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.

Ends

Issy Rule
PR & Communications Coordinator
Employers' Forum on Disability press office
Email: issy.rule@employers-forum.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7403 3020

1. Employers' Forum on Disability

Employers' Forum on Disability (EFD) is the employers' organisation focused on disability as it affects business. With over 400 members, EFD represents organisations that employ circa 25 per cent of the UK workforce. EFD is recognised as the authoritative voice on disability as it affects employers and service providers. 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. A full list of EFD's gold group and further information on EFD can be viewed on our web site.