A significant number of carers in the UK face financial difficulties, preventing them from taking unpaid Carer’s Leave.
- New research shows the economic value of unpaid care in the UK has reached £184.3 billion annually.
- 78% of carers believe that access to paid leave would better balance work and caregiving responsibilities.
- Younger carers express greater concern over financial and workplace repercussions when considering Carer’s Leave.
- Awareness and implementation of the Carer’s Leave Act remain low, leaving many carers uninformed of their rights.
In the UK, a majority of carers balancing work and care cannot afford to take unpaid Carer’s Leave due to financial constraints. According to recent data, 56% of working carers find it financially unfeasible to exercise their right to unpaid leave. This situation highlights the need to amend current legislation to include paid Carer’s Leave, giving carers the support they deserve.
The economic contribution of unpaid carers in the UK has reached a substantial £184.3 billion a year, as per new findings from Carers UK and the Centre for Care at the University of Sheffield. This increase, amounting to £64.9 billion more than in 2011, indicates a rising dependency on family members for care. Despite their essential role, unpaid carers face financial strain due to rising living costs, making job retention crucial.
Access to paid leave is seen as crucial by 78% of surveyed carers, as it would help them manage work and caregiving duties more effectively. Many of these carers leave their jobs to provide necessary care, with an average of 600 people doing so daily. Younger carers, particularly those aged 18 to 44, voice greater concerns about the negative impact of taking unpaid leave, fearing both financial repercussions and workplace backlash.
Awareness of the Carer’s Leave Act remains inadequate, with 42% of carers aware of the legislation but only partially understanding its implications. A significant number, 34%, are completely unaware of the Act, while 24% have little knowledge of it. Only a small fraction, 18%, currently have access to paid leave through their employer, underscoring the need for better implementation and education regarding the Act.
Carers UK is advocating for legislative changes to ensure that unpaid carers can balance their work and care obligations without financial penalties. The organization urges the government to transform the current unpaid leave into paid leave as part of the Employment Rights Bill. Additionally, they call upon employers to adopt a carer-friendly approach by thoroughly implementing the Carer’s Leave Act and offering paid leave.
Quotes from Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, highlight the urgency of this issue. Walker emphasizes the need for recognition and support for carers who are struggling to manage their dual roles. Similarly, Ariam Enraght-Moony, Chief People Officer at TSB, points out the positive impact of providing paid leave on employees and those they care for.
Research led by Professor Matt Bennett from the University of Birmingham stresses the irreplaceable value of unpaid carers, likening their contributions to a second NHS. The findings reveal a 29.3% increase in economic value over the past decade, illustrating the pressing necessity for policy makers to enhance support for these individuals.
It is imperative for policy makers and employers to address the financial hardships of carers, enabling them to effectively manage both work and caregiving roles.
