Million-strong ‘unsung army’ of carers struggling to look after family

One million people have caring responsibilities of 35 hours or more a week

A new report has called for urgent support for an "unsung army" of one million people providing full-time care, whose numbers are growing due to an ageing society and rising ill-health.

The Resolution Foundation highlights that this burden disproportionately affects families in the poorest half of the country, leading to widespread struggle.

Their research shows almost one in three working-age adults in lower-income families has a disability, compared with fewer than one in five in better-off households.

In homes of modest means, one million individuals dedicate 35 hours or more weekly to caring – the equivalent of a full-time job – making paid employment extremely challenging.

The think tank's findings reveal that around one in three carers in poorer homes are entirely unable to work because of their duties.

Its report said Britain has made great progress in supporting working people with childcare responsibilities in recent decades, from flexible working rights to extended parental leave and higher statutory pay.

It is calling now for efforts to support those with caring responsibilities for adults.

Around one in three carers in poorer homes say they cannot work at all because of their duties, according to the foundation’s research (Alamy/PA)

Mike Brewer, deputy chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, said: “Britain is getting older and sicker, while a greater share of its population has a disability.

“While these trends affect the whole of society, they are starkest in the poorest half of working-age families across the country.

“While we talk a lot about the effects of ageing and ill-health, the implications on demand for unpaid care is largely absent from political debate.

“That’s despite Britain having an ‘unsung army’ of one million people who do at least 35 hours of unpaid care work every week – equivalent to a full-time job.

“It is time to provide better support for these carers and their families, just as we have done with working parents in recent decades.”

In response, a spokesperson for the Government said: “We understand the huge difference carers make, as well as the struggles they may face.

“That’s why we’ve delivered the biggest ever cash increase in the earnings threshold for Carer’s Allowance, whilst unpaid carers can also receive support, including short breaks and respite services, through the Better Care Fund.

“Alongside this, we are reviewing the implementation of Carer’s Leave and considering the benefits of introducing paid Carer’s Leave.”