CIPD report that employees are resorting to using annual and sick leave to look after elderly relatives, according to a survey that reveals the growing impact of caring responsibilities on the workforce. The study by Willis PMI Group of more than 1,000 people found that around 16% have taken time off or worked irregular hours because of caring responsibilities. Of these, 39% have used annual leave to meet their responsibilities, while 34% resorted to sick leave and 32% used compassionate leave. Just 21% of those with caring responsibilities were granted flexible-working arrangements by their employer. This accords with the report from the CIPD and Westfield Health  earlier this year, which showed that only one in three organisations had either a formal, written policy or even an informal, verbal system in place to support working carers.

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