UK’s reliance on unpaid carers is unsustainable, new research warns

The Work Foundation, in its new report, is calling on the UK Government to urgently implement new carers’ employment rights and work with employers to better support carers in the workplace.

The research, based on an evidence review and a workshop attended by carers, charities and government officials, highlights the impact caring responsibilities have on a person’s employment, with those providing 50 hours or more care per week being 36 percent less likely to be employed compared to non-carers.

Findings also suggest women are disproportionately affected, with 61 percent of female carers being employed in comparison to 68 percent of men. According to the research, those aged 45-54 are twice as likely as any other group to have reduced their working hours due to caring responsibilities.

This causes financial strain – reduced earnings, savings and pension contributions – meaning many suffer from relatively high poverty rates and end up in debt. Researchers are therefore calling for Government to deliver on its promise to implement new rights such as statutory leave, which was recommended in the 2017 Independent Review of the State Pension Age and pledged by the Conservative party in their 2017 manifesto.

The number of ‘informal’ or unpaid carers – people who look after a friend or relative who need help due to age, disability or illness – is growing rapidly in the UK, and is estimated to reach 9 million by 2037.

This follows a sharp increase between 2001 and 2011, when the number of informal carers rose from 5.8million to 6.5million, an increase that outpaced the growth of the overall population.

Dr James Chandler, from the Work Foundation, said: “The current carer’s allowance is inadequate and means the financial barriers faced by carers are incredibly difficult to overcome.

“Not only do they face family and financial worries, their time away from work can have a real impact on their confidence, skills and knowledge. We found that many carers are prone to poor mental and physical health, with many experiencing social isolation due to the pressures on their time.”

Dr Chandler added that the ageing population and reduced investment in social care is putting a strain on unpaid carers and that the number of people needing care is expected to increase.

“Our health system is reliant on them and they do an incredible job, but not just for their family and friends, they also make a substantial contribution to the economy – estimated by Carers UK to be £132billion a year,” he continued.

“With Brexit looming, a reliance on migrant labour in the health and care industry and an ageing workforce, there is a risk of further pressure on employees to leave work to care for family and friends.

“The Government and employers need to act fast. For years, unpaid carers have picked up the slack, but there’s a real risk that this won’t continue unless changes are made urgently.”

The Work Foundation is an employment Think Tank that aims to transform people’s experience of work and the labour market through applied research that influences public policies and organisational practices, while empowering individuals.

Emily Holzhausen, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK, said: “We know that over 2 million people have given up work at some point to fulfil their caring responsibilities for someone who is older, disabled or seriously ill, when they could be enjoying the benefits of employment.

“This has costs not only for the individual but for employers who face higher recruitment costs, as well as the exchequer, with £1.7 billion in social security benefits paid to people who have left their jobs because of unpaid caring. Another £1.2 billion in taxes on top of that is forgone on lost earnings.

“Through our employer forum, Employers for Carers, we work with employers to develop and share carer friendly policy and practice. Carers UK has long called for stronger employment rights for carers and want the Government to commit to introducing statutory paid carers’ leave of at least five days and the right to request flexible working from day one.

“As well as support at work, carers also need access to high quality, affordable care services so the forthcoming Green Paper must deliver a sustainable funding solution for social care. Not only does this make good business sense – helping employers to attract and retain a diverse and skilled workforce – it also improves carers’ health and wellbeing and strengthens families, communities and our economy.”

The Work Foundation report offers a series of recommendations to policymakers, including: introducing carers’ employment rights; working with businesses to promote the evidence-based value of retaining carers in the workplace; issue guidance to both employers and prospective employees on how caring could be discussed during the interview stage; work with carer charities on policy guidance and best practice; and launch a public awareness campaign to increase national understanding of the importance of working carers.