It is importnat you are aware of all the opportunities you have to vary your work hours before going straight for your carers leave. Try and use workplace flexibility provisions first (especially for short appointments) and save Carer’s Leave for emergencies.

Examples of flexibility could include:

• taking off the time required and making it up later;
• negotiating more flexible work hours e.g. starting and finishing later;
• working flexitime;
• requesting leave at short notice;
• job sharing;
• working part-time;
• access to flexible rostering;
• working from home where feasible on a temporary or long-term basis.

What next?

If you would like more information or to discuss the issues raised in this article you may like to try:

• returning to the Employers menu on the Gateway
• checking out the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations for more information on Carers
• visiting the relevant state workplace and employment website
  • NSW - http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au
    VIC - http://www.business.vic.gov.au
    QLD - http://www.workplacerights.qld.gov.au
    SA - http://www.industrialcourt.sa.gov.au/
    WA - http://www.wairc.wa.gov.au/
    TAS - http://www.service.tas.gov.au
    NT - http://www.nt.gov.au
    ACT - http://www.act.gov.au
• subscribing to our monthly newsletter, Work 'n' Care, for regular information and support regarding the issues facing working carers.

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