A report highlights the need for better support for over 1 million full-time unpaid carers in the UK, many of whom are from lower-income backgrounds and unable to work due to their caregiving responsibilities.
A new report by the Resolution Foundation reveals that the UK has about 1 million unpaid carers dedicating over 35 hours a week to caregiving, a situation that is increasingly affecting their ability to find paid employment. The findings indicate that one in three unpaid carers, particularly from lower-income backgrounds, face severe challenges in balancing work and their extensive caring duties. This issue is exacerbated by a growing elderly population and increasing rates of disability and ill health among poorer working-age families.
The data also shows a stark disparity in disability rates among different socioeconomic groups, with nearly one in three working-age adults in lower-income families reporting a disability, compared to fewer than one in five in more affluent groups. This indicates that the burden of caregiving disproportionately falls on those already facing economic hardships, making it difficult for them to pursue job opportunities and enhance their financial stability.
Mike Brewer, deputy chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, emphasizes the urgent need for better support systems for unpaid carers, highlighting that as the population ages and health issues become more prevalent, neglecting this significant segment of society could have wider implications on the economy and community welfare. Addressing the needs of these unpaid carers is crucial for fostering equity and ensuring that they receive the assistance necessary to manage their responsibilities alongside potential employment.
