Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether his Department has a carer's policy for its employees; and what other steps his Department has taken to support employees with caring responsibilities.

As part of its family friendly policies, the department’s staff are entitled to apply for up to 15 days special paid leave and up to 12 months extended unpaid special leave in a 12 month period for domestic purposes to deal with matters such as the illness of a dependent (such as a partner, child, parent or someone who relies on the employee for assistance) or to deal with the unexpected disruption or breakdown of normal care arrangements.

Staff can also apply for unpaid career breaks lasting between one and five years, reviewed and approved subject to operational circumstance. Career breaks are most commonly sought for domestic purposes, notably the care of family members and/or dependants. Staff are able to ask for flexible working arrangements; these can include part time hours, homeworking and flexible start and finish times and such requests are treated seriously and sympathetically.

These measures provide a comprehensive package of support that can be augmented further on a case by case basis and whilst the department does not have a dedicated paper policy, the department is proud of the significant support it offers carers in their crucial roles.