The law protects you from being treated unfairly or harassed because of your caring role. Under the Equality Act 2010, carers are protected from discrimination by association. This means you can’t be treated worse than others because you look after someone who is older, disabled, or has a long-term condition.​

What this means:​

  • At work, your employer can’t treat you unfairly because you care for someone. For example, refusing promotion opportunities or making negative comments about your caring role.

  • In everyday life, you should not face harassment or poor treatment in services, shops, healthcare, or education settings because of whom you care for

  • If you do experience discrimination or harassment, you have the right to challenge it

How to use this right:

  • Keep a record of what happened, including dates and details.

  • Speak up if you feel able, either directly to the person or through a formal complaint. You may feel awkward about doing this, but remember that your rights are protected by the law. If it’s easier, you can write to them.

  • At work, raise the issue with your manager or HR team

  • If your workplace has a Carer Lead, Carer Staff Network, Inclusion Champion, or Union Representative, you can reach out to them for support. They can help you reflect on what happened and talk through your next steps.

  • If you don’t feel comfortable approaching someone at work, you can seek advice from Citizens Advice or Acas.

If you feel your right to protection against discrimination or harrasment is not being met:

Tip: Many employers and services have equality and inclusion policies. Reminding them of their duty under the Equality Act 2010 can help ensure you are treated fairly at work. Visit more to find out more about your rights: Individuals: what do I need to know as a carer? – GOV.UK

Forward Carers offers regular online sessions to help unpaid Carers know their rights at work and access support. They also work with local employers to create Carer Friendly workplaces where staff who care for family or friends are recognised and supported. To book a place, or learn more about being a Carer Friendly Employer contact carerfriendly@forwardcarers.org.uk and website Dorset Carers ID Card.

If you prefer to speak to somebody about your concerns, the two main carer support services in Dorset and their team of carers advisors are here for you:

If the person you care for lives in the Dorset Council area, contact Help & Care Call 0303 303 0153; email carers@helpandcare.org.uk; or visit www.helpandcare.org.uk

If the person you care for lives in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) area, contact BCP Carer Support. Call 01202 128 787, email carersupport@bcpcouncil.gov.uk, or visit BCP Carer Support

More information on support for carers in Dorset generally: Carers – Our Dorset

For more information on your rights as a carer visit: Carers Rights Day | Carers UK

If you are a young carer, you may be interested in visiting this website which talks about your rights specifically: Know Your Rights: A Guide for Young Carers and don’t forget MyTime are here for you in Dorset: MYTIME Young Carers