William Eichler 09 February 2022

Over 90% of unpaid carers feel ignored by Government

Over 90% of unpaid carers feel ignored by Government  image
Image: pikselstock/Shutterstock.com.

The vast majority of adult unpaid carers feel ignored by the Government, a new survey has revealed.

A poll by the Carers Trust of over 1,500 unpaid carers found that 91% felt ignored by the Government.

The charity’s survey also found that almost nine out of 10 (86%) unpaid carers either agree, or agree strongly, that successive Governments have ignored their needs for a long time.

‘Day in day out millions of unpaid carers play a crucial role, caring for family and friends and propping up our creaking social care system,’ said the Carers Trust’s executive director of policy and external affairs, Joe Levenson.

‘But it’s clear from our survey that this is at great personal cost, and that unpaid carers are struggling to cope and feel marginalised and ignored by Government.’

The survey also revealed that nearly half (49%) of the respondents said they had had to use their personal savings because of their caring role, and 51% reported giving up on hobbies or personal interests because of their caring role.

‘We welcome the UK Government’s recognition of the importance of unpaid carers in the recent adult social care white paper and are committed to working together to improve carers lives, but unpaid carers need ambitious and transformational change and they need it now,’ Mr Levenson continued.

‘The Government could let carers know they have been heard straight away by introducing a national strategy for unpaid carers, to ensure their needs are a priority across government. And they should act on what unpaid carers have told us, putting them at the heart of this strategy so it’s able to deliver the transformational change that’s desperately needed – such as boosting Carer’s Allowance and making it easier to claim and funding regular breaks and respite for carers.’

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Procurement Manager

Essex County Council
£46388.0000 - £54573.0000 per annum
Procurement ManagerPermanent, Full Time£46,388 to £54,573 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Youth Officer (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £27,259 - £29,955 (Pay award pending)
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£37185.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Assessment & Intervention Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£37,185 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Director – Housing Services

Redbridge London Borough Council
£Competitive
Are you ready to lead transformative housing services in one of London’s most ambitious and diverse boroughs? Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council

Executive Director – Place, Communities and Enterprise

Redbridge London Borough Council
£Competitive
Are you ready to lead one of London’s most ambitious place-shaping agendas? Redbridge, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Redbridge London Borough Council
Linkedin Banner