According to Carers UK research, in the last two years the equivalent of about 1,500 Britons a day have quit their jobs to become unpaid carers, as they try to balance their vulnerable relatives’ growing care needs with declining access to state-funded social care services. This highlights the social challenges caused by UK’s rapidly changing demographic profile.
Unpaid caring is now so widespread for UK households that one in five employees – equivalent to 6.7 million people – are facing career and financial sacrifices as they juggle paid work and care for family or friends. Over a fifth (22%) had reduced their job hours to juggle work and care, with over a third (34%) working less than eight hours a week. Around one in 10 carers said they had turned down promotions or taken on lower-paid roles to stay in work.
These figures represent real people who have had to make difficult decisions about their careers, their financial security and their futures due to the pressures of balancing work and care.
Carers UK, which published the research, called on the Government to strengthen employment rights for unpaid carers, including introducing a statutory entitlement to 10 days’ annual paid carer’s leave for employees. Baroness Casey’s independent review of adult social care, is expected to recommend policy changes putting carers at the centre of a reformed system, by making it easier for carers to combine work and unpaid care.
The surge in unpaid carers largely reflects an ageing population. Around one in five (20%) of UK adults, equivalent to 11 million people, report unpaid care duties. As well as affecting carers’ finances, careers and wellbeing, it’s estimated a doubling in the number of people quitting paid work to care over the past seven years coming at an annual £37bn economic cost to the UK.
If you are an unpaid carer for a loved one, let us help and ease some of the burden. Whether its navigating the system, looking at care fee planning options or ensuring Lasting Power of Attorney is set up optimally, we are here to help.
Harold Stephens
This November, SOLLA (Society of Later Life Advisers) Accredited adviser Richard Higgs is offering free face-to-face Care Fee Planning seminars. Come along to explore the different ways care might be funded, understand more about the options available and ask any questions you may have.
11th November – 2pm – 3pm – St Peter’s Church, Henleaze
18th November – 6pm – 7pm – Lovell Place Care Home, Patchway
25th November – 5pm – 6pm – Stoke Lodge, Stoke Bishop
Book your place by calling 0117 3636 212 or emailing office@haroldstephens.co.uk
