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A new report has highlighted the plight of an estimated 1 million unpaid carers in the UK, particularly from low-income working-age families, who are dedicating over 35 hours a week to caregiving duties. This alarming trend, driven by an ageing population and increasing health challenges, has left many unable to pursue paid employment, intensifying calls for enhanced support from the government.
Unseen Challenges for Carers
The Resolution Foundation’s recent findings reveal that one in three carers from economically disadvantaged backgrounds find themselves unable to work due to their caregiving responsibilities. This issue is particularly pronounced in families where almost one-third of working-age adults live with a disability, compared to fewer than 20% in higher-income households. The thinktank emphasises that the burden of unpaid care is becoming increasingly concentrated among the poorest segments of society, where financial stability is already precarious.
Mike Brewer, the deputy chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, underscored the urgency of the situation. “Britain is getting older and sicker, while a greater share of its population has a disability,” he explained. “While these trends affect the whole of society, they are starkest in the poorest half of working-age families across the country.” Brewer noted the pressing need for political discourse to address the implications of unpaid care, urging for more robust support systems akin to those established for working parents in recent years.
Government Response and Shortcomings
In response to the report, a government spokesperson acknowledged the vital role that carers play, stating, “We understand the huge difference carers make, as well as the struggles they may face.” The spokesperson highlighted recent initiatives, including the largest-ever increase in the earnings threshold for carer’s allowance. Moreover, support services such as short breaks and respite care are provided through the Better Care Fund, with ongoing discussions regarding the introduction of paid carer’s leave.
However, the government’s assurances sit uneasily alongside previous revelations. A Guardian investigation from 2024 uncovered that numerous unpaid carers, many already living in poverty, faced significant financial repercussions due to overpayment errors attributed to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Promises made in 2019 regarding the implementation of new technology to prevent such overpayments have proven ineffective, leading to over 262,000 instances of clawbacks totalling more than £325 million. This situation has left many carers feeling abandoned and vulnerable.
The Call for Comprehensive Support
The need for systemic change has never been clearer. Labour’s response to the ongoing crisis includes establishing an independent review of the carer’s allowance alongside raising the earnings threshold for claimants. Advocates argue that these measures are just the beginning; a comprehensive support programme is essential to ensure that unpaid carers can balance their vital work with financial stability.
Many believe that the current support mechanisms fail to address the complexities faced by these individuals. As the number of unpaid carers rises, so too does the urgency for a more compassionate and robust response from policymakers.
Why it Matters
The growing population of unpaid carers is not just a statistic; it represents a significant segment of society that is crucial to the fabric of family and community life. Without adequate support, these individuals are at risk of financial instability, which can lead to broader societal challenges, including increased reliance on state support and deteriorating health outcomes. Addressing the plight of unpaid carers is not merely a matter of social justice; it is vital for fostering a healthier and more equitable society. The time for action is now.
