The tool – on www.employersforcarers.org.uk - takes employers through a range of questions, assessing their carer-friendly policies and practices to see how well they are doing and what more could be done. The design has been kept simple to ensure that it is quick and easy to use for all organisations, no matter what their size and business.

"This comes at just the right time for employers who want to know more about how they can support carers in the workplace, following Tony Blair's recent announcement on looking at more flexible work practices for carers," said Imelda Redmond, chief executive of Carers UK.

Employers for Carers is a group comprising major employers, employers' organisations and Government agencies who have come together to promote the benefits of supporting working carers and influence employment policy and practice.

An Award to recognise innovation and delivery of carer-friendly policies is currently being offered by Carers UK, with sponsorship from BT, as part of the Working Families (formerly Parents At Work) Employer of the year Awards. Details and registration form, are available from
www.workingfamilies.org.uk.