Employers have been urged to do more to support workers with caring responsibilities.
Research from charity Carers UK revealed that each year more than two million people in Britain become carers, taking on the responsibility of caring for relatives or friends.
Of these two million, half of these will be in employment, while 65 per cent do not recognise themselves as carers in the first year, indicating that they could be missing out on benefits that they are entitled to.
Employers should consider steps such as directing carers to advice booklets or the Carers UK website, providing information about rights and entitlements and encouraging carers to talk about their caring situation, the charity said.
It also recommended that employers regularly review HR policy to make sure carers are recognised and think about adopting measures such as paid emergency leave.
Chief executive of Carers UK Imelda Redmond said: "Research has shown that those employers leading the way in this have enjoyed benefits to their bottom line.
"Supporting carers in the workplace with just a little bit of flexibility reduces sick leave, results in a more loyal and productive workforce, and helps employers attract and retain trained and skilled staff."
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