Carers are to benefit from a new £1.5 million fund that will help them return to work in the private sector after time out looking after those who need help, the Home Secretary has announced.
Amber Rudd, who also has responsibility for women and equalities, said it was ‘truly striking’ that nearly nine out of 10 people out of paid work because they are caring for the home or family are women.
She said their struggle to return to work was a ‘huge loss’ both to them and the economy.
Amber Rudd said it was ‘truly striking’ that nearly nine out of 10 people out of paid work because they are caring for the home or family are women
The fund, to launch on Monday, will offer grants to projects which help people return to work in the private sector.
It will prioritise projects that focus on small and medium enterprises and returners at all skill levels, as well as employers outside London.
It forms part of Theresa May’s £5 million Spring Budget 2017 commitment to help people back into employment after a career break.
Ms Rudd said: ‘It is truly striking that nearly 90% of people out of paid work because they are caring for the home or family are women.
The Home Secretary said their struggle to return to work was a ‘huge loss’ both to them and the economy. File photo
‘Too often people struggle to get back into paid work after taking time out to care for others. That is a huge loss not only to those individuals, but to our economy and to businesses all over the country.
‘That’s why I’m delighted to announce this Government will be launching a £1.5 million fund to support people, particularly women, back into work after time out looking after children and other relatives.
‘By offering meaningful work that pays, the fund will give people who want to return to employment the opportunity to use their valuable skills, talents and experience.’
The Government stressed that returner programmes will also help companies as they will not have to train up new employees.
A toolkit, sponsored by Vodafone, and guidance have been created to support businesses that would like to employ returners.