A crisis of care is unfolding, with approximately 5.8 million unpaid carers in the UK alone, according to the 2021 census. The scale of the crisis is widespread, impacting all sectors including the built environment. 

CIOB Assist conducted a survey last year to understand the extent of unpaid caring responsibilities among UK members, the impact on their professional and personal lives, and the support CIOB Assist could provide.

All 83 respondents reported current or past unpaid caring responsibilities, mostly for a parent, elderly relative, partner or spouse. Some respondents noted that colleagues caring for parents wouldn’t formally recognise themselves as carers.

Around 40% of respondents provide 36+ hours of unpaid care per week, equivalent to a full-time job. A further 25% provide 5-10 hours, with others spread across 11-35 hours. 

Many respondents reported working reduced hours or turning down promotions to fulfil caring duties. Several also noted taking leave or career breaks and said they were worried about the long-term impact on their career, reputation and income. Some also indicated their career had suffered due to a perception they were not as committed due to their caring responsibilities.

One member observed their employer was extremely supportive of parents, awarding flexibility and discretion, however as carer to an elderly relative they were expected to take leave with no flexibility, support or compassion. 

A small proportion stated their caring role had not affected their work, though this was the minority. 

Emotional and financial impact 

More than 80% of respondents said caring had affected them emotionally or mentally. 44% described the impact as “significant”, highlighting stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. Some respondents said it has affected their physical health. 

Most respondents also reported some form of financial strain: 

• Significant impact: 29% 
• Some impact: 53% 
• No financial impact or declined to answer: 19% 

Members noted reduced earnings due to working fewer hours, and increased household costs related to caring. Some respondents reported shouldering the living costs for their loved one’s basic needs because their benefits were not enough to live on. 

Most respondents said they manage alone without respite. A smaller group reported occasional support, and very few had regular help. Several highlighted difficulties accessing social care support even when they tried. 

Some members highlighted a lack of support from charities set up to support carers. While many provided information on how to pay for support, the need for respite and emotional support were highlighted as more beneficial. 

Support available through CIOB Assist 

CIOB Assist is here to support CIOB members and their families when life gets tough, including when meeting their responsibilities as unpaid careers. This includes measures that are available to those with unpaid caring responsibilities.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty because of your caring responsibilities, CIOB Assist may be able to provide financial assistance towards essential household costs. We can also consider whether funding towards respite care may be appropriate in certain circumstances.

If caring responsibilities have affected your income, impacting your ability to afford your CIOB membership, you may be eligible for the CIOB concessionary membership rate.

For those struggling with mental health or wellbeing, CIOB Assist can facilitate access to appropriate support, including our mental health support service.

CIOB Assist can offer re-employment support for those looking to return to work or find new employment after taking time off to provide care, including help with your CV and job-search resources.

We also provide information and signposting to other organisations that offer specialist support to unpaid carers, including sources of financial, practical and wellbeing advice.

Future support

As well as raising awareness of how our existing services can support carers across the construction sector, we are exploring ways that CIOB and CIOB Assist could provide further support, including:

• resources and guidance for employers on supporting employees with caring responsibilities
• a dedicated carers awareness campaign, helping to highlight the experiences and needs of members who provide unpaid care
• flexible access to learning and professional development, recognising that carers may need greater flexibility around when and how they undertake CPD
• a peer-support network, giving CIOB members who are carers an opportunity to connect with others who understand the challenges of balancing caring responsibilities with work and professional life
• further practical support through CIOB Assist, including exploring how respite care funding could be developed to help members who need a break from their caring responsibilities 

If you're caring for someone and finding things difficult financially, emotionally or practically, please get in touch. 

If you’re unsure whether your circumstances qualify for support, we can talk through your situation, explain what CIOB Assist may be able to offer and signpost you to other organisations where appropriate.