Bank of Ireland has announced a new initiative with national charity Family Carers Ireland, to provide a bespoke support programme for colleagues within the Bank who have caring responsibilities. Family Carers Ireland has developed the programme, called ‘Caring Employers’, to provide guidance and assistance for companies to appropriately support their employees who also have a family caring role. Bank of Ireland is giving access to the programme and the full range of support it offers to all colleagues who wish to use it.

There are over 355,000 family carers in Ireland, with one in nine people in Ireland’s workforce juggling paid employment whilst caring for a family member. These caring requirements can take many forms, including caring for a child, a parent or a relative, and the increased stresses caused by juggling work with caring responsibilities can also have a significant impact on people’s wellbeing and performance at work. Where this occurs, progressive employers need to ensure that adequate support systems are in place to avoid losing valued employees who may be under considerable pressure outside of their workplace.

Speaking about the Bank of Ireland partnership, Catherine Cox, Head of Communications and Carer Engagement with Family Carers Ireland said: “Our ‘Caring Employers’ programme highlights the importance of ensuring that carers feel valued and cared for within their work environments. We are delighted that Bank of Ireland, as a major longstanding employer in this country are adapting to this new focus by offering this increased level of support to their employees.

Family Carers Ireland is the national charity supporting and advocating on behalf of over 355,000 family carers across the country who care for loved ones such as children or adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, the terminally ill or those suffering from chronic illnesses or addiction.