How can employers help?
As an employer, how do you accommodate employees with a child affected by a primary immunodeficiency? Alex Rook, Associate Solicitor at legal firm Irwin Mitchell, suggests the following:
- Be understanding and flexible where possible – small things, such as access to a telephone in case of emergencies, can make a big difference to someone caring for a disabled child.
- Consider providing an advice pack for carers or a carers’ policy.
- Have an open approach to flexible working arrangements where possible.
- Where flexible working arrangements are available, clearly worded policies will help employees understand the options available to them.
- In larger organisations, provision of a counselling service may be possible.
- Encourage understanding among the workforce generally using training and policies, and zero tolerance of any form of discrimination.
