'Awful burden' | Employers risk talent exodus due to lack of support for cancer carers

New research has revealed the pressure working cancer carers face as they take on the dual role of caring for a loved one with cancer whilst in full or part time employment, and how UK employers risk a talent exodus if they are not supported properly.

Reframe Cancer, the leading provider of specialist cancer navigation, surveyed 442 cancer carers across the UK who are also in full and part time paid employment.

The findings reveal that over half (57%) felt totally unprepared to care for a loved one with cancer when they took on the role and lacked the knowledge about what was required of them, whilst more than six in ten (63%) said the emotional impact of caring for someone with cancer (e.g. the anxiety / worry it causes) made it difficult to keep working.

It is 18-34 year old employees who face the biggest struggles here, with 67% agreeing this was the case, the highest of any age group.