Laura Sharman 20 October 2020

Unpaid carers 'desperately worried' about further lockdowns, survey reveals

Unpaid carers are being pushed to 'breaking point' due to reduced services, a charity has warned today.

Research by Carers UK found that four in five unpaid carers are providing more care for relatives than before the lockdown.

Nearly two thirds (63%) of carers said they are worried about how they will cope through further lockdowns or local restrictions over the winter.

The survey found 40% of carers are providing more care because the needs of the person they look after have increased, while 38% are providing more care because their local services have been significantly reduced or closed.

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: 'I am deeply concerned that so many carers are on the brink and desperately worried about how they will manage during the next wave of the pandemic. Government must prioritise carers in its plans, carry out an urgent review of breaks’ services and ensure that wider social care services have enough funding to manage over winter.

'We strongly urge local authorities to use the Infection Control Fund to help reinstate crucial day and support services that carers really need.'

The Local Government Association (LGA) said councils are doing all they can to support carers through the pandemic but they could do more with further resources.

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing Board, said: 'The Government must use its upcoming Spending Review to urgently provide councils with the extra funding they need to help support unpaid carers as well as people who use services ahead of winter and the second wave of COVID-19, while also using this as the basis for future reform of social care and support to place it on a long-term, sustainable footing.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Public Health Principal

Oxfordshire County Council
£63576 - £67003
Oxfordshire County Council is seeking a skilled Public Health Principal for a full-time, fixed-term maternity cover. Based in Central Oxford with hybrid working (approximately two days per week in-office), this senior role leads the Live Well Promote and Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Senior Property and Asset Manager - Braintree District Council

Essex County Council
Negotiable
Senior Property and Asset Manager - Braintree District CouncilBraintree District CouncilPermanent, Full TimeFrom £65,433 to £71,436 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Senior Planning Projects Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Help shape the future of our borough - from idea to delivery, you'll lead projects that make our neighbourhoods greener, fairer and better places to l England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Deputy Procurement Manager

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
£46,206 - £55,992 per annum
Can you see yourself playing an important role in leading the team who procure private sector properties (PRS) and long-term temporary accommodation for homeless families across Richmond and Wandsworth? If so, this is a unique opportunity to work for a gr London, Wandsworth
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Residential Assistant

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25395.00 per annum
Residential AssistantPermanent, Full Time£25,081 up to £25,395 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner