North Ayrshire Council has taken the first step towards becoming a Carer Positive Employer.

Carer Positive is a Scottish Government funded development which focuses on caring for carers in the workplace.

The initiative recognises those employers who offer the best support to carers, allowing the flexibility carers often need to be able to continue to care for their family or friends.

North Ayrshire Council has achieved the first level (Engaged) of becoming a Carer Positive Employer.

The Carers Team, with the support of HR colleagues, undertook the self-assessment process to demonstrate how the council easily met the criteria.

To mark the achievement, Sue McLintock from Carer Positive presented the award to Provost Ian Clarkson.

Councillor Leader Joe Cullinane said: “Carers make up a significant proportion of North Ayrshire Council staff and it is important that we do what we can to support them.

“I am delighted the council has achieved its first milestone and look forward to further embedding a culture of support for carers through the next two levels.”

Sue McLintock said: “It is evident North Ayrshire Council has a wide ranging and comprehensive set of supports in place for staff with caring responsibilities, and that this is well communicated throughout the organisation.

“It is also very encouraging to see links between this and the wider approach to how carers are supported in the local community, also underlined by the partnership working between North Ayrshire Health & Social Care Partnership and the local Carer Centre, Unity.”

North Ayrshire Council will continue to engage with all of its staff as it aims to progress towards the second and third levels.