The supermarket chain has announced plans to focus on and expand its flexible working practices for staff members who are committed to 'caring responsibilities.'

Sainsbury's has teamed up with Carers UK and joined the Employers for Carers membership forum – the first time a UK retailer has done so.

The supermarket will now gain from the forum's knowledge and expertise, which will allows Sainsbury's managers to better accommodate the flexible working needs of employees who are carers.

Director of colleague engagement at Sainsbury's, Jacki Connor, said, "There are 21,000 of our colleagues that have caring responsibilities.

"If colleagues are engaged, they want to come and work for us. It's just about keeping great people and making them want to stay with us," she added.

Carers UK's recent research revealed the scale of the issue – one in seven employees in any workplace are carers.

Head of policy development at Carers UK, Madeleine Starr, said, "Supporting carers in the workplace is not just about helping families to manage their daily lives but it is also about helping employers to retain talent and healthy, productive staff in their workforce which is vital for a strong economy."