Carers Week 2025 marks a meaningful milestone at Octavius
This Carers Week, Octavius is proud to reaffirm its commitment to supporting the people behind our projects – not just professionally, but personally too. From 1st June 2025, our new Carers Leave Policy came into effect, giving team members with caring responsibilities up to five days of paid leave each year.
Caring for a loved one – whether due to age, illness, disability, or injury – can be a rewarding yet emotionally and physically demanding role. While UK legislation currently provides only unpaid leave for carers, Octavius is going a step further by offering paid leave, recognising that time off shouldn’t come at the expense of financial stability.
“At Octavius, we recognise that many of our people have important responsibilities beyond the workplace,” said Nikki McLaughlin, Head of People Service Delivery and Insights. “Supporting employees with caring duties is not only a matter of empathy – it’s a key part of creating an inclusive, flexible, and resilient culture where everyone can succeed.”
The policy is open to all employees from day one of employment. Leave can be taken in full or half-day increments with manager approval and is designed to help carers attend medical appointments, manage emergencies, or arrange alternative care. Crucially, this initiative is underpinned by flexibility, confidentiality, and a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination or disadvantage.
For employees like Ali Leigh, Health and Safety Manager in Regional Civil Engineering, caring is a full-time commitment alongside a demanding professional role. As a single parent and the primary carer for her young adult daughter with learning disabilities, Ali balances her work with constant responsibilities at home – from daily routines and managing personal care to dealing with the emotional weight of worry and planning around emergencies.
“It’s rewarding in so many ways, but the reality is 24/7,” she explains. “There’s always that background worry – is she okay, is she safe, can I get to her if something goes wrong?”
For carers like Ali, the introduction of Octavius’ new Carers Leave Policy provides vital reassurance. The ability to take paid time off when needed, without using annual leave or worrying about income – helps create the breathing space that’s so often missing when juggling work and care. It’s a step that acknowledges the reality of carers’ lives and gives them more flexibility, support, and understanding when it’s needed most.
For Marketing and Communications Coordinator Anjni Thakrar, a former carer, the new policy signals meaningful progress in recognising and supporting those balancing work with caring responsibilities.
“Many people find themselves in a caring role unexpectedly, and it can be a difficult journey to navigate. As a former carer myself, I know how easy it is to think you’re simply helping a loved one – without realising you’re actually a carer. It’s great that Octavius has introduced a policy that goes above and beyond. Combined with flexible working, this kind of support really will make a difference.”
Recognising and Registering as a Carer
One of the most important steps in accessing support – both inside and outside of work, is recognising that you are a carer. Many people simply see themselves as helping a loved one, without realising they meet the definition of a carer. By formally identifying as such, individuals can unlock access to resources, benefits, and services designed to support them.
To register, employees can contact their GP and ask to be added to the carers register, or speak with their local council to access a Carer’s Assessment. These steps can open the door to support from the NHS, local authorities, charities, and now, Octavius itself through the Carers Leave Policy. Recognising your role is the first step toward getting the support you deserve.
With an estimated 12,000 people becoming unpaid carers every day in the UK, Octavius acknowledges that policies like this are not just progressive – they’re necessary. Supporting carers isn’t simply the right thing to do; it enables a more inclusive, empowered and resilient workforce.
If you have any questions about the new policy or would like more information, please contact Nikki McLaughlin.
