Show you care
Within the film and TV industry, carer’s fear that sharing that we are unpaid carers with employers and colleagues will result in losing out on jobs because we will be perceived as unreliable. Finding a balance between caring responsibilities and a career in film and TV is challenging for all carers, but as an employer, you could change this.
Starting a Carer Conversation in your workplace is a great way to show that you care.
Of people working in your film and TV workplace could be unpaid carers
According to Carer’s UK, two out of every three working age adults in the UK are unpaid carers - that’s more people than own their own homes.
By the time we reach the age of 50, there’s a 50:50 chance of being a carer. If you are female, you could become a carer a full decade earlier.
As carers working in film and TV, our lives are complex enough without worrying about whether our colleagues and employers will accept us as carers. Perhaps that’s why we hide such a crucial part of our lives.
One Film and TV Carer’s Club member shared that they were an unpaid carer with their colleagues following one of our Zoom meet ups and discovered that their Line Manager, someone they had worked with for years, as well as several other colleagues, were all carers.
Being able to finally be themselves brought strength and understanding to their team.
“Carers like me struggle to find the right balance in deciding how much to disclose to a potential employer and how to negotiate flexible working arrangements”.
Film and TV Club Member
Despite being quite possibly, the largest marginalised group, unpaid carers are one of the last marginalised groups in terms of employer awareness, particularly in film and TV.
“I am acutely aware how my own mental and physical heath is undermined by demand and expectations. Especially in our current era of reduced health services, where increasingly complex needs are simply not being properly met.”
Film and TV Club Member
We’d love to changer this and you can help us with our mission. It doesn’t involve big steps or huge investment, All it takes is one conversation with your workers - the Carer Conversation.
By deciding to become more a supportive employer, you can create a safer environment for carers and potentially a truly bonding experience that we all gain from.
If you’d prefer a more structured carer awareness training option, check out our consultancy services, or contact us for advice.
It’s so easy to show your workers that you have a big heart too.
