§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps the Government are taking to ensure that people who have responsibilities as carers are not unfairly discriminated against within the labour market. [135801]
§ Ms Hodge[holding answer 30 October 2000]: The Government recognise the valuable contribution carers make both to their families and society as a whole. We are keen to give them the support they need—whether to balance work with their caring responsibilities or to get back to work when their caring responsibilities end or reduce.
42WFor those carers seeking to enter the labour market, Employment Service advisers ensure that they have the same access to all the programmes, such as New Deal, as any other job seeker, and can be granted exemptions from requirements in certain circumstances. Advisers discuss with the individual their circumstances and skills and tailor the help that will best equip them to enter the labour market. The Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) rules also contain special provision to help carers back into employment.
New Deal 50 plus takes account of time spent on Invalid Care Allowance when assessing eligibility. My Department has worked in partnership with The Carers National Association to produce a leaflet to explain how New Deal 50 plus can help carers back into work.
For those carers who are working the new entitlement to take a reasonable time off work to deal with a crisis involving the care of a dependant is a significant new right. The Government believe in a fair and flexible labour market that benefits both employers and employees, working in partnership together. Our Work-Life Balance campaign encourages all employers to introduce policies and practices which benefit the business and help their staff achieve a better balance between work and the rest of their lives. These practices can offer carers a greater choice over where, when and how they work and can help employers retain valued staff.