One in three people from poorer backgrounds are unable to work due to their unpaid caring responsibilities, research has found.

According to analysis by Resolution Foundation, drawn from its new book titled Unsung Britain, the demand for adult care is higher across poorer households and is growing alongside the intensity of unpaid care.

Identifying the ‘caring gap’ trend in Britain, the think tank has confirmed that one in eight individuals from lower-income households were found to have five or more hours a week of unpaid caring duties last year, versus one in 13 people from more affluent backgrounds.

The research also revealed that nearly one in three adults of working age from lower-income families have a disability, in contrast to the less than one-in-five from better-off households.

With one in three carers from poorer backgrounds reporting that they cannot work due to their caring commitments, a further two in five said they are unable to work as much as they would like for the same reasons.

Overall, one million people from households of modest means have caring duties of at least 35 hours a week, which the think tank has highlighted is the equivalent of a full-time job. As a result, families with a carer see a shortfall of £1,700 annually compared to households without a carer or disabled family member.

Furthermore, council spending on support for unpaid carers has dropped by almost 30% since 2014-15, the research found.

To support those caring for adults, the think tank has called for an equalisation of the caring elements and health element of Universal Credit, effective through a £15.60 monthly increase.

It has also suggested that statutory carers’ leave should be extended from one to four weeks to support people who want to work, as well as ensuring the first two weeks are delivered by employers at the same rate as statutory sick pay.

Finally, the think tank has urged that sustainable funding is provided for social care provision to reduce future strain on carers.

Mike Brewer, Deputy Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation, said: ‘Britain is getting older and sicker, while a greater share of its population have a disability. While these trends affect the whole of society, they are starkest in the poorest half of working-age families across the country.’

He added: ‘It is time to provide better support for these carers and their families, just as we have done with working parents in recent decades.’