TSB launches new industry leading Carer Policy to give flexibility and support to carers across the business

TSB is launching its new Carer Policy, which gives employees up to 70 hours paid leave per year to help them balance their careers and caring responsibilities in a way that best suits them.

To coincide with UK National Carers Week, TSB’s new policy, which comes into effect today, will provide flexibility and support to its employees so they can help a dependent, family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older.

As part of the policy, TSB is introducing a carers’ passport that enables carers to outline their caring responsibilities to their manager, as well as the impact it has on them. From this, the individual and manager will be able to work together on the support measures that best suit the carer’s needs.

Carers UK estimates that there are currently six and a half million carers in the UK - a number that continues to rise – and TSB’s Carer Policy looks to meet the increased responsibility many people face and to let its colleagues know that the support they need is there for them.

Liz Ashford, HR Director, said:
“One of our aims at TSB is to create a truly diverse and inclusive workplace, where our people feel they can bring their whole selves to work.  We have a number of colleagues balancing caring responsibilities with managing work, which can be extremely challenging."

“So, we’ve stepped up our support – we’re one of the first banks to provide this level of paid carer leave and we hope it gives our people the flexibility they need to be carers and also have a rewarding career.”

Katherine Wilson, Head of Employment at Carers UK, commented:
“TSB’s new carer’s policy is a fantastic step forward, it provides flexibility for their colleagues to pursue their career at the same time as providing care for those who need it most.”

Ged Nichols, General Secretary, Accord, said:
“I’m really pleased that TSB is improving the employment proposition for Partners in this way. The new carers’ leave arrangements are a really positive move when so many people struggle to balance their work commitments with the needs of the people they care for.

“This is a ground breaking policy and we’re delighted to be part of it, especially in UK National Carers Week.”

Andy Case, Lead Officer, Finance & Legal at Unite, said:
“The introduction of this carer policy is a positive and progressive step forward. Carers are an overlooked and under-appreciated group.

“This policy will benefit not only carers themselves but TSB as an employer and society as a whole. By recognising the contribution of carers and providing this policy, TSB is taking a lead in the banking sector, which Unite hopes others will follow.”